Kashmir Terror Attack Kills 26, Injures 17 Amid Rising Tensions

A deadly terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir left at least 26 people dead and 17 injured, marking the worst such incident in nearly two decades. The attack targeted tourists in the disputed Himalayan region, which has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan due to its contested status and history of insurgency. While a group called the Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility, experts suggest that larger Islamist organizations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxies, may have been involved. Reports indicate that the attackers singled out victims based on religion, with survivors recalling being forced to recite Islamic verses before being fired upon. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from Indian leaders, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice, and former U.S. President Donald Trump expressing solidarity with India against terrorism. The attack underscores the ongoing volatility in Kashmir, whose autonomy was revoked by India in 2019, intensifying regional tensions.