VOANews.com

 

Today from VOA:

News in 45 Languages
Mumbai Siege Ends, Indian Forces Kill Last Militants

29 November 2008

An Indian soldier takes cover as the Taj Mahal hotel burns during gun battle between Indian military and militants inside the hotel in Mumbai
An Indian soldier takes cover as the Taj Mahal hotel burns during gun battle between Indian military and militants inside the hotel in Mumbai
Indian officials have brought a terrorist attack on the city of Mumbai to an end, killing the last militants inside a luxury hotel that was the final battleground of a terrorist siege.

Security forces are going through the badly-damaged Taj Mahal hotel room by room to make sure it is safe, and to evacuate any remaining guests.

Combat operations ended at the Taj hotel Saturday, more than two days after groups of militants launched coordinated attacks against multiple targets across the city.  Nearly 200 people were killed in the attacks, including at least 18 foreigners.  Officials expect the death toll to rise.

On Friday, Indian commandos ended two other standoffs with militants at the Oberoi-Trident hotel, as well as at the Chabad House Jewish center. 

At least 11 militants were killed during the nearly three-day siege, while another was taken into police custody.

Officials are still trying to determine the identity of the attackers.  Shortly after the assault began, Indian media reports said a previously unknown group, called Deccan Mujahideen, had claimed responsibility.  It is not clear if that claim is credible.

India's foreign minister says there is evidence the attackers have links to Pakistan.  Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said his country has nothing to do with the attacks.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


E-mail This Article E-mail This Article
Print This Article Print Version
  Related Stories
India: Mumbai Attackers and Supporters Will Pay Heavy Price
Pakistan Pledges Cooperation with India, Urges Restraint
Afghan Officials Back Allegations of Regional Links to Mumbai Attackers
Jewish Group Says Rabbi, Wife Dead in Mumbai
 
  Top Story
Republicans Gain in US State Elections

  More Stories
Iranians Rally on Anniversary of American Embassy Takeover
Karzai Rival Says President Cant Fight Corruption
US House Overwhelmingly Passes Resolution Critical of UN Report on Gaza  Audio Clip Available
US Envoys Meet Burma's PM, Aung San Suu Kyi
Obama, EU Push for Climate Deal  Audio Clip Available
Debate Still Rages Over Who Won the Cold War  Audio Clip Available
Merkel Meets With Obama, Addresses Congress   Audio Clip Available
World War II 'Lost Battalion' Veterans Reunite  Audio Clip Available
Clinton to Ask Egypt for Help; Can Cairo Deliver?  Audio Clip Available
Palestinian Farmers in Olive Oil Boom  Video clip available
Czech Court Clears Way for President to Sign New EU Treaty  Audio Clip Available