25/10/2024
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist strikes that occurred in Mumbai, India, from November 26 to November 29, 2008. Planned and executed by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, the attacks targeted high-profile locations in the city and were intended to create maximum chaos, loss of life, and media attention. Here's a detailed breakdown of the planning, ex*****on, and subsequent military operation to neutralize the terrorists.
Planning and Ex*****on
The meticulous planning of the attacks began months before they were carried out. Here's how it unfolded:
Selection of Targets: The terrorists selected locations that symbolized MumbaiтАЩs financial power, tourism, and foreign connections. These included:
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Oberoi-Trident Hotel
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)
Leopold Caf├й
Nariman House (Jewish Center)
Cama Hospital
Training and Preparation: The terrorists underwent rigorous training in Pakistan. This included:
Physical fitness and endurance training.
Marine navigation and swimming, as they were to infiltrate Mumbai via sea.
Handling of sophisticated weapons, explosives, and guerilla tactics.
Use of satellite phones, GPS, and internet communication for coordination.
Ex*****on of Attack: On the night of November 26, 2008, 10 terrorists arrived on the Mumbai coast via hijacked fishing boats. They split into groups and executed the following attacks:
CST Station: Two terrorists, Ajmal Kasab and Ismail Khan, opened fire on commuters, killing over 50 people.
Taj Mahal Hotel: Another group stormed the luxury hotel, setting parts of it on fire and taking hostages.
Oberoi-Trident Hotel: Terrorists launched a similar attack here, taking hostages and killing indiscriminately.
Leopold Caf├й: The first attack occurred here, with indiscriminate firing on diners.
Nariman House: This location became a hostage site as the terrorists targeted the Jewish community.
Other shootings and bombings occurred in Cama Hospital and other spots in South Mumbai.
The attacks resulted in 166 deaths and hundreds injured, creating terror across the city.
Operation Black Tornado
In response to the siege, Operation Black Tornado was launched by India's National Security Guard (NSG), along with other forces like the Marine Commandos (MARCOS), Mumbai Police, and Maharashtra ATS. HereтАЩs a summary of the operation:
Initial Response:
Mumbai police and first responders faced difficulties due to lack of proper equipment, training, and understanding of the scope of the attack.
The NSG was called in from their base in Manesar, Haryana, which caused delays in the response.
Commencement of Operation:
The NSG commandos reached Mumbai early on November 27.
Their primary objective was to neutralize terrorists and rescue hostages trapped in the three major locations: Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi-Trident, and Nariman House.
Key Phases of the Operation:
Taj Mahal Hotel: A fierce gun battle ensued for hours as terrorists had fortified themselves within the building. Commandos evacuated hostages while engaging the militants in close combat.
Oberoi-Trident Hotel: NSG cleared the floors, room by room, rescuing hostages while neutralizing two terrorists.
Nariman House: The Jewish community center was heavily booby-trapped by terrorists. After a prolonged gunfight, NSG commandos stormed the building and killed the militants, though some hostages were found dead.
Neutralization:
By November 29, all 10 terrorists were either killed or captured (Ajmal Kasab was the only one caught alive).
The operation ended with the NSG securing all locations and declaring Mumbai safe.
Impact and Aftermath
Ajmal Kasab, the only surviving terrorist, was captured and interrogated, revealing critical details about the planning and ex*****on of the attacks. He was tried, convicted, and executed in 2012.
India strengthened its counter-terrorism capabilities post-26/11, including the establishment of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan soured significantly, with India accusing Pakistan of harboring the masterminds behind the attack.
The bravery and efficiency of the NSG commandos were widely praised, as they conducted one of the most complex urban warfare missions in Indian history, under tremendous pressure.