'US stands alongside India in confronting terror', USA 'strongly condemns' terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir

US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster‏, strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which CRPF convoy, which was moving from Jammu to Srinagar, was targeted by the terrorists. In probably the biggest terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the Uri Army camp strike of September 18, 2016, following which surgical strikes were conducted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, 37 soldiers were martyred.

Ken Juster‏ took to Twitter to show US support to India in 'confronting terror and defeating it'. He wrote, "The U.S. Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it. #KashmirTerrorAttack".

Read: 'The Sacrifices Of Our Brave Security Personnel Shall Not Go In Vain', Says PM Modi While Condemning The 'dastardly' Terror Attack

On Thursday afternoon, the 54 Battalion of CRPF was targeted by the Pakistan backed Jaish-e-Mohammed as their vehicle was attacked with an IED blast in the Awantipora area of the Pulwama district on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

An IED blast occurred upon a bus of the battalion CRPF which was part of Up convoy from Jammu to Srinagar at 2:15 pm. There were some reports of grenade lobbying and firing upon vehicles of 35 Battalion and 179 Battalion also coming in.

IG of the CRPF spoke about the incident. "All the injured have been shifted to the hospital. We will hold the post-blast analysis. It will take time," he said.

Read: IED Blast On Srinagar-Jammu Highway, CRPF Jawans Injured: LIVE UPDATES

The following is the statement released by the CRPF which details about the attack:

• The convoy started from Jammu around 4am. It was an Up Convoy to Srinagar. 
• 70 vehicles were in this convoy with 2,500 CRPF personnel. 
• Road opening party had cleared the route. 
• The convoy had last checked in at Anantnag. 
• A civilian car was laden with IED. 
• J&K Police have released a statement in the aftermath of the IED blast on the Jammu-Srinagar highway

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit the district later on Thursday to take note of the situation.