The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, also known as the 26/11 attacks or 26 November attacks, were a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks that took place in Mumbai, India, on November 26, 2008. The attacks, which lasted four days, were carried out by ten members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a militant Islamist organisation based in Pakistan. The attacks drew widespread global condemnation and were the deadliest terror attack in India’s history.
The Attacks
On November 26, 2008, ten members of the LeT arrived in Mumbai by sea from Karachi, Pakistan. They split into four groups and began carrying out coordinated attacks on several locations across the city, including:
- The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station
- The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- The Oberoi Trident Hotel
- The Nariman House Jewish community center
- The Leopold Cafe
- The Cama Hospital
The terrorists used AK-47 assault rifles, grenades, and explosives to carry out their attacks. They targeted civilians, including women and children, and caused widespread panic and chaos. The attacks lasted for four days and ended on November 29, 2008, when the last of the terrorists were killed by Indian security forces.
Casualties and Aftermath
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks resulted in the deaths of 175 people, including nine of the attackers. More than 300 people were injured in the attacks. The attacks also caused widespread economic damage to Mumbai.
The attacks had a profound impact on India’s psyche. They also led to a deterioration of relations between India and Pakistan.
Investigation and Trial
The Indian government launched an investigation into the attacks and identified the LeT as being responsible. India also blamed Pakistan for not doing enough to prevent the attacks.
In 2012, Ajmal Kasab, the only surviving LeT terrorist, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He was hanged in 2013.
Remembrance and the Fight Against Terrorism
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks are remembered every year on November 26. The attacks serve as a reminder of the threat of terrorism and the need for vigilance.
India and other countries have taken steps to strengthen their counter-terrorism measures in the wake of the 26/11 attacks. The international community has also condemned terrorism and pledged to work together to combat it.
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a horrific tragedy. However, they also showed the resilience of the Indian people. The attacks have led to a greater focus on counter-terrorism measures and a renewed commitment to fighting terrorism.