'Pathankot,Mazar-e-Sharif attacks threaten regional stability'

Washington: Condemning the terrorist attacks on the IAF base in Pathankot and the Indian Consulate in Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif city, top American lawmakers have said that these deplorable acts of terrorism threaten regional peace and stability.

The lawmakers called for bringing to justice the perpetrators of these terrorist acts and favoured strengthening of India-US ties.

"These deplorable acts of terror threaten to undermine peace and stability in the region. Those responsible need to be brought to justice immediately," Congressmen Ami Bera and George Holding said in a joint statement.

Co-Chairs of the Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, Bera and Holding condemned the Pathankot terrorist attack and Indian Consulate in Mazar-e- Sharif, Afghanistan.

"As Co-Chairmen of the House India Caucus, we offer support to the people and government of India and vow to stand together as the US and India address the shared challenge of combating region and global terrorism," their statement said. "Terrorist attack on Indian Air Force base is another reason US and India must work together to fight extremism," said Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"We stand with India in its fight against terrorism. Yet another example of the importance of our counter terrorism partnership," Ranking Member of House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel said, adding that it is critical that those responsible for this attack are brought to justice.

Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of the House Rules Committee in a statement condemned the terrorist attacks. "These deplorable acts threaten to undermine peace and the US stands ready to work with our Indian ally to combat terrorism in the region and across the world," Sessions said.

Congresswoman Grace Meng, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Asia, condemned the terrorist attacks.

"Although those who took part in these assaults were reportedly killed, I hope others who may be involved in these cowardly acts are caught and swiftly brought to justice. Such attacks undermine efforts to bring peace and stability to the region and should also be denounced by the world community.

"The US stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our friend and ally India, and I call on US officials to provide India with whatever assistance it may require," Meng said.

"My thoughts are with victims, families, others affected by Panthankot attacks; the US continues to stand with India in fight against terrorism," tweeted Congressman Steny Hoyer, House Democratic Whip.

The Pathankot terror attack began on Saturday with six terrorists sneaking into the Air Base, leading to an encounter in which seven security-men and six terrorists were killed.

An intense 25-hour gun-battle between security forces and terrorists outside the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif came to end on Monday with the killing of all the attackers who attempted to storm the Mission building.