The November 2008 Mumbai attacks were a series of ten coordinated attacks committed by Islamic militants, which began across Mumbai, India‘s financial capital and largest city, on 26 November 2008 and ended on 29 November 2008 when Indian security forces finally regained control of all attack sites. The attacks have been dubbed by media as “India’s 9/11“, an apparent reference to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. At least 195 people, including at least twenty-two foreign nationals, have been confirmed dead and at least 327 have been injured. Eight attacks took place in South Mumbai: at the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station; at two five-star hotels: the Oberoi Trident at Nariman Point, and Taj Mahal Palace & Tower near the Gateway of India; at the Leopold Café, a popular tourist restaurant in Colaba; at the Cama Hospital; at the Orthodox Jewish-owned Nariman House; at the Metro Adlabs movie theatre; and at the Mumbai Police Headquarters where at least three high-level officers, including chief of the Anti Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra, were killed by gunfire. There was also an explosion at Mazagaon docks in Mumbai’s port area. The tenth incident involved a taxi blast at Vile Parle near the airport but it is uncertain whether this is connected with the South Mumbai attacks.
A previously unknown organization identifying itself as the Deccan Mujahideen claimed responsibility by email sent to news organizations. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the attacks probably had “external linkages”, believing that the attack could not have occurred without help. On 28 November, police stated that three terrorists who had attacked the Taj Hotel confessed to being members of the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba Islamist group, which may have severe consequences for India-Pakistan relations. The Indian Mujahideen terrorist group threatened in September 2008 to carry out bombings at sites in Mumbai. According to some news reports, a miltant holding hostages at the Oberoi told an Indian TV channel that they wanted all ‘Mujahideen‘ in Indian prisons released before they released their hostages. He also indicated that there were seven terrorists holding hostages at that location.Other reports indicate that this demand was made through a hostage at the Mumbai Chabad House, in a call to the Israeli consulate in New Delhi. Experts have conflicting views as to whether Al Qaeda is behind the attacks.
After two days of gunfire and explosions, the attack was incorrectly reported ceased as of the early morning of 28 November in Mumbai. The fires were out and soldiers were leading hostages and holed-up guests to safety and removing bodies of those killed in the attacks. House and the Oberoi Trident were cleared of hostages by Indian commandos. hostages were killed at the Jewish center. Later news reports indicated that there were still two or three terrorists in the Taj, with explosions heard and gunfire exchanged. Fires were also reported as having been caused at the ground floor of the Taj with plumes of smoke arising from the first floor. Severe damage has been reported to the Taj, with a dome, and parts of the Heritage Wing of the Taj reported to be destroyed.National Security Guards action resulted in the completion of the Taj encounter, with three terrorists reported killed.
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