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Entries in Taj Hotel (2)

Thursday
Nov272008

Mumbai Latest (7:30 p.m. local time; 2 p.m. British time)

Twenty-one hours after the first attacks and stand-offs continue at the Taj and Oberoi Hotels. The Times of India reports all hostages released at the Taj, and CNN International is reporting 10 hostages released at the Oberoi. Five attackers and 14 policemen are reported dead, and The Times of India says more bodies are in the Taj Hotel.

As the stand-off moves to resolution, attention will turn to responsibility for the attacks. Right now, the media is spinning with frustration that they have nothing beyond the claim of the shadowy "Deccan Mujihadeen". While some journalists are speculating --- I think with little evidence --- about an Al Qa'eda assault, I suspect that Canuckistan's comment on a Pakistan connection may be far more important. In the context of the downward spiral in Pakistan, a renewal of Indo-Pakistani conflict, either between Government forces or between India and Pakistan-based insurgent groups, is cause for concern.
Thursday
Nov272008

Latest from Mumbai (1:17 p.m. local time; 7:47 a.m. in Britain)

Not much change in a tragic and tense situation. Struggling for new information, broadcast news organisations are filling time with eyewitness accounts, especially from those who were in the Taj and Oberoi hotels, and comments from experts who really have little to add.

More than 100 dead and more than 300 injured. The Times of India, relying on Indian military sources, says four terrorists are still inside the Taj Hotel, along with 40 to 50 trapped guests. Twitter feed indicates explosions and gunshots at Oberoi Hotel.

While the conflict continues, it is unclear who is behind the attacks. The "Deccan Mujihadeen" have claimed responsiblity. Given the level of coordination and range of targets and given that no security services have previously known of the group, it is unlikely that they are the culprits.