US President Donald Trump Tuesday described as a “horrible situation” the Pulwama terrorist attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed, in which at least 44 CRPF personnel were killed, and said he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.
As the February 14 attack has led to an escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be “wonderful” if the two South Asia neighbours get along.
“I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along,” he said in response to a question.
“That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out,” Trump said.
Following the attack, the White House had asked Pakistan to immediately end “support” and “safe haven” to all terror groups as it strongly condemned the Pulwama terrorist attack.
“The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a late night statement on Thursday.
Trump’s National Security Advisor, John Bolton, too has supported India’s right to self-defence.
Read | ‘Support India’s right to self-defence’, US tells NSA Ajit Doval on Pulwama attack
In a brazen attack, over 44 CRPF personnel were killed and several injured in one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near their bus in Pulwama district.
The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying around 2500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.
(With agency inputs)