The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a series of co-ordinated terrorist attacks that lasted for four consecutive days from November 26 to November 29 in 2008. During these attacks, 10 members of the Islamist terrorist organization, Lashkar-e-taiba, a Pakistan-based organization, left the nation and the world in shock.
The terror strike was unlike any other witnessed in the country where terrorists trained in Pakistan took the sea route to enter India. The highly-trained terrorists who unleashed terror in Mumbai on 26/11 Mumbai were preparing for this strike for quite a long time.
Eight deadly attacks took place which targeted two luxury hotels, a train station, a Jewish cultural centre, a hospital and a lane behind the Times of India building, and the reputed St. Xaviers College in Mumbai.
The 60-hour siege of the Maximum City had left 166 dead and soured ties between India and Pakistan. In all, at least 174 people, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals, lost their lives. More than 300 people were injured. Nine of the 10 terrorists were killed, and one (Ajmal Kasab) was arrested.
Here are some lesser known facts about the incident:
- 24 terrorists, all Pakistani Nationals, were provided high profile training, which incorporated commando training, combat training and indoctrination. Of these, 10 militants were handpicked for the deadly Mumbai attacks.
2. Reports stated that the terrorists applicated three SIM cards purchased on the India-Bangladesh border, out of which one is said to be from New Jersey, US.
3. Prior to landing in Mumbai, the terrorists consumed illegal drugs such as LSG, cocaine, steroids, so that they could stay awake and active in their mission.
4. Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the sole terrorist who was captured and caught alive, was arrested under various acts namely Arms Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Explosives Act, Customs Act, Waging War against India and couple of other sections under the Railway Act. He was additionally booked for entering the railway premises without a valid ticket.
5. During the attacks at the Nariman House, the National Security Guard commandos accessed its roof by fast-roping from helicopters. However, prior to that, the pilot had took them to a wrong building.
6. A retired army man and Assistant Sub –Inspector of Mumbai Police, Tukaram Omble, sacrificed his life by apprehending the other top officers get hold of the lone terrorist, Kasab. He was honoured with the Ashoka Chakra for his courageous act.
7. Hafiz Saeed, the leader of Jama’t-ud-Da’wah, who operated primarily from Pakistan, planned and executed this overall series of terror attacks, because of which he is considered to be the alleged mastermind of 26/11. Consequently, he was put under house arrest in Pakistan. However, he was later released.
8. In spite of the Indian Government constantly pointing to Hafiz Saeed being associated with the 26/11 attacks, the Pakistan High Commissioner has maintained that no case was pending against him, and that he was a free citizen, thus having the liberty to wander about freely in his native country.
9. US officials firmly believe that the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group was assisted by the Inter-Services Intelligence officers of Pakistan Intelligence in executing the 26/11 terror attacks.
10. A terrorist involved in the group revealed that prior to the November 2008 attacks, they had also planned attacks in September and October, to capture and demolish the country’s capital, but their plans had failed.
Also read: BJP targets Congress over UPA govt’s response after 26/11 attacks