The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack

Introduction

On November 26, 2008, the city of Mumbai, India was shaken by a series of coordinated terrorist attacks which results in 166 death and over 300 injured (as per govt. report). It was carried by 10 terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM), a group of militant islamist organisation from Pakistan carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks lasting for four days across Mumbai. The terrorists arrived by sea and targeted iconic landmarks throughout the city.

Attacks

he terrorist first hijacked an Indian fishing boat and killed 5 who were on board. The first events were detailed around 20:00 Indian Standard Time (IST) on 26 November, when 10 men in inflatable speedboats came ashore at two locations in Colaba. They reportedly told local Marathi-speaking fishermen who asked them who they were to “mind their own business” before they split up and went in two different ways. The fishermen’s subsequent report to the police department received little response and local police failed to act. The targeted area were-

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

The city’s main railway station, where the attackers opened fire on passengers, killing over 50 people. It was attacked by two gunmen, Ismail Khan and Ajmal Kasab. However, Kasab was later caught alive by the police and identified by eyewitnesses. The attack took place at 9:30pm IST when the two men entered the passenger hall and opened fire using AK-47 assault rifles. They killed 58 people and injured 104 others, their assault ending at about 10:45pm IST in CSMT. Later the two gunmen fled the scene and fired at pedestrians and police officers in the streets, killing eight police officers.

• Cama Hospital 

The attackers then headed towards Cama Hospital with intent to kill patients but the hospital staff locked all of the patient wards. A team of the Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad led by police chief Hemant Karkare searched the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and then left in pursuit of Kasab and Khan. Kasab and Khan opened fire on the vehicle in a lane next to the hospital and received return fire in response. Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Ashok Kamte and three of their officers were killed. The only survivor, Constable Arun Jadhav, was severely wounded. Kasab and Khan seized the police vehicle but later abandoned it and seized a passenger car instead.

•  Leopold Cafe

A popular restaurant frequented by tourists and foreigners. The Leopold Cafe, a popular restaurant and bar on Colaba Causeway in South Mumbai, was one of the first sites to be attacked. Two attackers, Shoaib alias Soheb and Nazir alias Abu Umer, opened fire on the cafe on the evening of 26 November between 21:30 and 21:48, killing 10 people (including some international visitors) and injuring many more.

•  The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Oberoi Trident

Two hotels, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Oberoi Trident, were among the four locations targeted. Six explosions were reported at the Taj Hotel – one in the lobby, two in the elevators, three in the restaurant – and one at the Oberoi Trident. Reportedly, 200 hostages were rescued by firefighters from windows using ladders during the first night.

• Nariman House

The Nariman House, also known as the Chabad House, was a Jewish community center in Mumbai. The siege lasted for 60 hours and resulted in the deaths of six hostages, including Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his pregnant wife Rivka, nine militants, and security personnel.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Jewish community in Mumbai has rebuilt the Nariman House as a memorial to the victims and a symbol of resilience. The Chabad center continues to serve the community and offer support to those affected by the tragedy.

•  Bomb blasts in taxis

There were two explosions in taxis caused by time bombs. The first one occurred at 22:40 at Vile Parle, killing the driver and a passenger. The second explosion took place at Wadi Bunder between 22:20 and 22:25. Three people, including the driver of the taxi were killed, and about 15 others were injured.

How Ajmal Kasab got caught?

• The Setting

1. On the night of November 26th, 2008, Kasab and fellow terrorist Abu Ismail were fleeing the Cama Hospital encounter in a stolen Skoda.
2. A team of 15 policemen from D B Marg were guarding a barricade on Marine Drive.

• The Encounter

1. The Skoda reached the barricade and attempted a U-turn, sparking a shootout.
2. Ismail was killed, while Kasab initially lay motionless, pretending to be dead.
3. Assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Omble, armed only with a lathi (bamboo stick), charged the vehicle despite being shot five times.
4. He grabbed Kasab’s weapon, allowing his colleagues to overpower and eventually restrain Kasab.
5. Tragically, Omble succumbed to his injuries.

• Key factor in Kasab’s capture

Omble’s courageous act:His selfless charge and weapon restraint were critical in securing Kasab.

Quick thinking by other officers:They capitalized on Omble’s actions to subdue Kasab.

Element of surprise:Kasab’s feigning of death momentarily distracted the officers, leading to a crucial window for their response.

• Aftermath

1. Kasab’s capture provided crucial evidence for investigating the attacks and holding those responsible accountable.
2. He faced trial and was sentenced to death for his crimes.
3. Omble’s sacrifice was honored, and he became a symbol of bravery for the Mumbai police and India.

While the event was fraught with tragey, it also showcased the remarkable courage and resilience of the Mumbai police in the face of a horrific attack.

Key details of the attackers

1. Planning and execution:The attacks were meticulously planned for months, with the attackers receiving training and logistical support from Lashkar-e-Taiba.
2. Weapons and tactics:The gunmen used automatic weapons, grenades, and explosives, targeting civilians indiscriminately.
3. Hostage situations:Several locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Nariman House, became hostage situations, adding to the complexity of the security response.
4. Security response:Indian security forces, including the National Security Guard (NSG), were eventually able to neutralize the attackers, but not before significant casualties were sustained.

NSG Raid

During the attacks, both hotels were surrounded by Rapid Action Force personnel and Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and National Security Guards (NSG) commandos. When reports emerged that attackers were receiving television broadcasts, feeds to the hotels were blocked. Security forces stormed both hotels, and all nine attackers were killed by the morning of 29 November. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan of the NSG was fatally shot during the rescue of Commando Sunil Yadav, who was hit in the leg by a bullet during the rescue operations at Taj. 32 hostages were killed at the Oberoi Trident.

NSG commandos then took on the Nariman house, and a naval helicopter took an aerial survey. During the first day, 9 hostages were rescued from the first floor. The following day, the house was stormed by NSG commandos fast-roping from helicopters onto the roof, covered by snipers positioned in nearby buildings. NSG Commando Sergeant Gajender Singh Bisht, who was part of the team that fast-roped onto Nariman House, died after a long battle in which both perpetrators were also killed. By the morning of 28 November, the NSG had secured the Jewish outreach centre at Nariman House as well as the Oberoi Trident hotel. They also incorrectly believed that the Taj Palace and Towers had been cleared of attackers, and soldiers were leading hostages and holed-up guests to safety, and removing bodies of those killed in the attacks. However, later news reports indicated that there were still two or three attackers in the Taj, with explosions heard and gunfire exchanged. Fires were also reported at the ground floor of the Taj with plumes of smoke arising from the first floor.

Religious and Cultural intervention

The attack sent shockwaves through India and the international community. It highlighted the vulnerabilities of religious and cultural centers to terrorism and sparked renewed calls for global cooperation in combating extremism.

The aftermath of 26/11

• Victims and survivors:The attacks left hundreds dead and injured, with families and communities grappling with grief and trauma for years to come.
• Impact on India:The 26/11 attacks significantly impacted India’s security landscape, leading to increased investment in counter-terrorism measures and heightened awareness of potential threats.
• India-Pakistan relations:The attacks strained relations between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Global response:The international community condemned the attacks and offered support to India, highlighting the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism.

Conclusion

It was one of the charming turned into immenseky terrific day of Indian human history. It was the day that gives cold shivers through spine of every Indian and the sensation of agony felt by the family who lost their beloved ones. In conclusion, the Mumbai attacks represent a dark chapter in history, yet they also stand as a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit of a city and a nation. As we remember the victims and the heroes, let us commit to building a stronger, more compassionate world where such tragedies never occur again.