Mumbai Attacks: 80 Dead, 900+ Injured, 40 Hostage

The Times of India reports that the coordinated attacks targeted hotels, hospitals, railway stations, cinemas, and a large market. The head of state the anti-terror squad is among the dead.

Attackers are still inside a hospital and holding hostages in two five-star hotels, Twitter reports indicate a rescue attempt to free hostages at the Taj Hotel.

An unknown group called the Deccan Mujahideen have claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Comments

[Mike Dunn]

This Twitter user in Mumbai:
http://twitter.com/baxiabhishek
Just reported a seventh blast at the Taj hotel. Also says he/ she heard on CNN that an MP stuck inside the Oberoi says there might be 200 others stuck with him- not sure if that means stuck as in stranded, or stuck as in held hostage.

[Dave]

It's not the first time jihadists have conducted a coordinated attack in India.

[Mike Dunn]

Check out this story from the Deccan Herald back on Sept 15:
http://www.deccanherald.com/CONTENT/Sep152008/scroll2008091590090.asp?section=frontpagenews

[Scott Lucas]

Good find, Mike, but not sure if it is same as group claiming responsibility tonight. BBC is playing up angle that terrorists were trying to find Brits and Americans.

[Mike Dunn]

No, I've heard a new group- the Deccan Mujahideen- has claimed responsibility. There are some parallels though- this article has the Indian Mujahideen threatening to attack Mumbai in a Deccan newspaper, and also threatening Mumbai police and senior officials.

As Frank Gardner just said on the Beeb though, my money's on this being an AQ-inspired group who've just plucked their name out of the air.

[Canuckistan]

Yes, it seems to have some characteristics of an al-Qaeda-related/inspired group, particularly the specific targetting of British and American citizens as opposed to Indians in general. Questions will soon be asked about Pakistani connections and the answers to those questions could have major implications for geopolitical relations.