US senators condemn 'cowardly' Uri attack, offer condolences

Condemning the Uri terror attack in which 18 Indian Army soldiers were martyred, US Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has termed the dastardly attack as "cowardly act" and extended his condolences to the Indian government and to the families of the fallen.

In a statement, Cotton said, "The pre-dawn terrorist attack on Indian troops while they slept was a cowardly act, one that deserves the strongest condemnation. I extend my condolences to the Indian government and to the families of the fallen."

"The United States and India share a vital interest in defending our democracies from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism. Both our nations must commit fully to deepening our security partnership so that radical jihadists are defeated and stability in the region is maintained," he added.

U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, also condemned the attack saying, "I condemn the horrible terror attack against an Indian Army Base in Uri in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 18 Indian soldiers. The terrorists who perpetrated this cowardly act must be brought to justice. I extend condolences to the family and friends of the soldiers who lost their lives in the attack."

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX), chairman of House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non Proliferation and Trade, also condemned the attack, saying the attack on an Indian army base in the garrison town of Uri left 18 Indian soldiers dead and marked the deadliest assault in Kashmir in over two decades.

"It is a reminder to democracies the world over that terrorism seeks to destroy peace loving societies everywhere. It is still unclear which terrorist group carried out this cowardly attack, but one thing is certain. This is just the latest consequence of Pakistan's longstanding irresponsible policy of supporting and providing operational space for all stripes of jihadi terrorist groups," he said.

"Pakistan's reckless behaviour in this regard is a serious security risk to its neighbours - and India unfortunately pays the price all too often. We condemn this tragic attack, as well as Pakistan's support for many criminals like the ones who carried it out, and stand firm in our commitment to our friends in India. A threat to democracy in India is a threat to democracy everywhere. And that's just the way it is," he added.

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), Ranking Member of House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, on his part, also condemned the attack and said, "I strongly encourage the governments in the region to make every effort to find the terrorists that carried out these attacks and bring them to justice. The United States should continue to assist these governments and ensure they can eliminate terrorist threats."

In the wee hours of Sunday, terrorists attacked the Army base of Uri. After a prolonged gunfight and explosions, 18 soldiers of the Army lost their lives while others were rendered injured. While Pakistan is being nailed for this attack, an initial probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) suggests that it is too early to conclude the association the terrorists to any specific group.

In one of the worst attacks in recent times, as many as 18 soldiers were killed and over 20 others got injured post the terror strike on an army camp close to the headquarters of the 12th Brigade at Uri on Sunday.