Pahalgam Terror Attack: 26 Dead, LeT Commander Saifullah Kasuri Reportedly Planned Assault—What We Know So Far

At least 26 people, including two foreign nationals, were killed in a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday afternoon.

The terrorists, believed to be members of The Resistance Front—a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy— opened fire on tourists without warning, in one of the most brutal terror attacks in the region in recent years.

The attack took place at Baisaran meadow, known as 'mini Switzerland' accessible only on foot, at around 2:30 p.m on Tuesday.

The terrorists were disguised in military fatigues and used automatic weapons to fire indiscriminately on the unsuspecting tourists.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as people tried to flee the open terrain.

Intelligence sources suspect the involvement of five to six terrorists, including those who had recently crossed the border and infiltrated the Valley.

The attack was reportedly planned under the direction of Saifullah Kasuri, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander and aide to wanted terrorist Hafiz Saeed, India Today reported.

Two Pakistan-occupied Kashmir-based operatives are also under the scanner. Officials say the attack was premeditated and that the site was surveyed by the attackers days in advance.

Following the terror attack, security forces launched a manhunt in the area, cordoning off the surrounding forests and meadows.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip and returned to Delhi early Wednesday.

He was briefed at the airport by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and subsequently chaired an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Calling the incident “heinous,” the Prime Minister vowed retribution, stating that those responsible “will not be spared.”

Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level review with top security and intelligence officials in Delhi before reaching Srinagar to directly monitor the situation.

Opposition leaders condemned the attack, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi calling it “horrific” and urging support for the victims’ families.

He confirmed speaking to both Home Minister Shah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Opposition parties also demanded an all-party meeting to assess the security situation.

Also Read: At Least 20 Tourists Killed In Pahalgam, 'Were Shot For Not Being Muslim': What We Know So Far About J&K Terror Attack