Mumbai, 101 dead battle between terrorists and army continue
Mumbai (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Gun battles between the army and terrorists continue in two luxury hotels– the Taj Mahal and Oberoi – after a night in which at least 10 areas were targeted throughout the city by terrorists in violent automatic weapon and grenade attacks.
Armed groups also raided private homes, taking hostage a rabbi and his family. The death toll so far stands at 101 dead. Among them there at least 6 foreigners. An Italian and a Japanese businessman are confirmed dead. Over 300 people were injured in the attacks but the number of wounded is growing by the hour as the gravity of last nights attack becomes increasingly clear.
At least 4 terrorists are barricaded in the two 5 star hotels, were between 40 and 50 guests are trapped. According to police at least 12 armed militants raided the Taj last night. Five were killed during the course of the night one more arrested. The army is attempting to gain access to the Oberoi, were a terrorist group has taken a number of hostages many of them foreign.
Among the main targets of last nights coordinated attacks was the central railway station, the local airport, hospitals and popular tourist restaurants.
The president of India's Jewish Federation, Jonathan Salomon, reports that a Rabbi and his family were taken hostage by an armed group that raided Chabad house in the southern district of the city.
An unknown group, calling itself Mujaheddin of Deccan, has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Up until now, authorities were familiar with the terrorist group Mujhaeddin of India, who have claimed responsibility for past attacks. This morning, speaking from inside the Oberoi, a man calling himself Sahadullah told the television that they belong to an Indian Islamic group who want an end to the persecution of Muslims in India: “We want – he said – the release of all mujaheddin prisoners; then we will free the people [the hostages]”.
The government – under sharp criticism for the lack of security – has defined the attacks as “an act of war against the nation”. At least 11 police were killed in the overnight attacks. Among them the chief of the special anti-terrorist group, Hemant Karkare.
Panic and fear is widespread throughout the city. Authorities have advised people to stay at home. Schools universities and the stock exchange remained closed. Public transport is running but the usual crowds are missing. Only 3 international flights have been cancelled, while domestic flights continue.
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