The 26 November 2008 Mumbai attacks were nine simultaneous terrorist attacks across Mumbai, India's financial capital. At least eighty-five people have been confirmed dead and over 200 have been injured. Attacks took place in South Mumbai, at the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station; two five-star hotels, the Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace & Tower; the Leopold Cafe, a popular tourist restaurant; a hospital; and the police headquarters where at least three high-level anti-terrorism officers were killed by gunfire.
Armed with AK-47 rifles, two terrorists entered the passenger hall of the CST, opened fire and threw grenades, killing at least ten people. Two terrorists held fifteen hostages, including seven foreigners, in the Taj Mahal hotel. Forty people are being held as hostages in the Oberoi Trident hotel. Both hotels are on fire and have been surrounded and stormed by Rapid Action Forces commandos. All terrorists are out of the Taj hotel, and police and firefighters are working to rescue the estimated 50 people trapped inside. The Taj Mahal Hotel was reported to be completely under government control at 4:22 a.m. Low-intensity blasts were reported in Vile Parle and a grenade attack in Santa Cruz. Two blasts were reported in the Napean Sea road area of south Mumbai. A petrol pump was blown up. All local trains on the Mumbai Suburban Railway have been suspended.
An unknown organization identifying itself as the Deccan Mujahideen claimed responsibility by email sent to news organizations. In September, the Indian Mujahideen warned of the attacks.nAccording to a witness, the gunmen were looking for US and British passport holders.
Maharashtra state home secretary, Bipin Shrimali, has announced that the police have killed four gunmen when they attempted to flee in cars in two separate incidents, and state home minister, R. R. Patil, says nine suspects have also been arrested.
Friday 28 November 2008
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