WORLD> Asia-Pacific
Mumbai attacks leave at least 125 dead
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-28 07:17

The Israeli embassy said around 10-20 Israeli nationals were among those held hostage or trapped.

Guests who escaped the hotels recounted how the gunmen had specifically tried to round up US and British citizens.


Firefighters try to douse a fire at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai November 27, 2008. [Agencies]
 

At least five gunmen had been shot dead and one captured, police said. Fourteen security personnel were also killed, including the head of Mumbai's anti-terror squad.

In an audacious operation apparently tailored to gain maximum international attention, the militants used small groups to attack a total of about a dozen targets in India's financial hub , including the main railway station, a hospital and a restaurant popular with tourists.

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In an address to the nation, the Indian prime minister said the attacks were clearly "well-planned and well-orchestrated" and warned "neighbours" who provided a haven to anti-India militants that there would "be a cost" to pay.

An unknown group calling itself the Deccan Mujahedeen claimed responsibility, with one gunman telling an Indian TV channel by phone that the outfit was of Indian origin and motivated by the treatment of Indian Muslims.

Mumbai police chief Hassan Gafoor said more than 125 people had died. "The situation is very fluid and the toll could rise further," he told AFP.

Up to 327 people were reported wounded.

The main Bombay Stock Exchange was closed until further notice, as were shops, schools and businesses.

England's cricketers abandoned their ongoing one-day series against India and opted to fly home.

Prime Minister Singh said the aim had clearly been to spread panic by choosing high profile targets and "indiscriminately killing foreigners."

Witnesses said the gunmen had been very particular in their choice of hotel hostages.

"They said they wanted anyone with British and American passports," said one British guest at the Taj, Rakesh Patel.

 

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