Militants terrorise Mumbai, Lottie Hamer

Lottie Hamer — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:34:09 +0000

Dozens of people are still being held hostage after Mumbai was struck by terror attacks last night. Hostages were taken in the Taj and Oberoi hotels in a series of carefully planned co-ordinated attacks by gunmen targeting luxury hotels, busy restaurants, a rail station and an ultra-orthodox Jewish outreach centre The usually hectic and bustling city has ground to a halt, colleges and schools have been shut for the day and battle scenes continue between police and gunmen. Over 100 people have been killed and at least 300 injured in the attacks.

Some of the hostages held in the Taj hotel in Mumbai have since been freed by Indian commandos, but gunfire and explosions there suggest the siege continues. Several hostages have reportedly also been freed from the Oberoi hotel. It is believed that more are being held hostage in Nariman House, a tower block in the financial district of the city. At present it is unclear how many gunmen were involved but it has been reported that nine suspects have been arrested and four killed in battle scenes in the city.

A previously unknown group called the "Deccan Mujahideen" have claimed responsibility for the attacks although the truth of these claims is as yet unconfirmed. There is speculation that the perpetrators were following a strategy created by al-Qaida. A spokesman for the group has demanded the release of extremists from Indian jails, and an end to the persecution of Muslims in India.

Violence and terrorist attacks are not unfamiliar to Mumbai, but since westerners seem to have been targeted specifically this attack may be more "globalized" than previous incidents. British, Israelis and Americans seem to have been singled out by the militants, and it is reported that six foreign nationals have been killed.

The attacks have been condemned by global leaders including officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both Gordon Brown and Barack Obama have voiced their solidarity with India against terrorism, while Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has vowed to take whatever action necessary to bring the terrorists to justice.

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Militants terrorise Mumbai, Lottie Hamer