Pahalgam terrorists reached Baisaran Valley two days before attack, three other tourist spots were on hitlist

On April 22, armed terrorists unleashed horror by opening fire at tourists in Pahalgam.

Terrorists, who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, had recced three other spots, other than Baisaran Valley, according to a report by News18.

The report also stated that the terrorists had been present in the Baisaran Valley two days before the attack on April 22. Sources said the terrorists initially planned to attack three other spots, including Aru Valley, an amusement park, and the Betab Valley. However, their plan was foiled due to the presence of security forces at these locations.

Four overground workers (OGW) reportedly had helped the terrorists recce the spots.

The authorities have recognised nearly 20 OGWs while some have also been arrested.

A total of 186 people are being interrogated in connection with the attack, according to the News18 report.

On April 22, armed terrorists unleashed horror by opening fire at tourists in Pahalgam.

The families of those killed in the attack later revealed to the media that the terrorists asked the names and the faith of tourists before shooting them dead. They also reportedly asked those who said they belonged to the Muslim community to recite the Kalma.

A day after the attack, India on April 23 announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the attack.

In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended all trade with India, including through third countries. Pakistan rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and said any move to stop the flow of water will be seen as an "act of war".

US intervenes

The US has urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone conversations with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to emphasise on avoiding further escalation.

In his phone conversation with Jaishankar on Wednesday night, Rubio expressed his "sorrow" for the lives lost in the "horrific" terror attack and reaffirmed the US' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism, according to the US State Department.

The US Secretary of State called on Sharif for Islamabad's cooperation in investigating the "unconscionable" attack that killed 26 civilians.

On his part, Jaishankar told Rubio that the perpetrators, backers and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice.

"Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," the External Affairs minister said on 'X' on Thursday.