World | India
Indian forces storm Jewish centre in Mumbai
Indian commandos move to free hostages in Jewish centre as security forces hunt for militants.
- Agencies
- Published: 08:24 November 28, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- Indian commandos fought to end a multiple hostage crisis in Mumbai on Thursday, battling gunmen holding foreign guests in two luxury hotels after attacks across the city.
Mumbai: Commandos stormed a Jewish centre in Mumbai on Friday to free hostages as security forces scoured two luxury hotels for militants, more than 24 hours after coordinated attacks killed scores of people.
Armed soldiers descended from helicopters onto the roof of the Chabad Lubavitch Centre on Friday, television images showed.
Witnesses also reported hearing gunfire from the building as the commandos began to free hostages held by suspected Islamist gunmen.
At the luxury Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel and the Oberoi Trident complex, forces hunted for militants who stormed the buildings late on Wednesday.
All hostages were freed from the Taj late on Thursday and at least 93 people were freed from the Oberoi on Friday, police said.
"They are evacuating everyone. Everyone is being taken care of," an Indian woman said as she left the hotel with her husband.
Related Links
- Troops retake Jewish centre in Mumbai
- Journalist enters hotel in hope of scoop
- Guests warned not to venture out
- Tourists, residents speak of night of terror
- Mumbai attackers came from outside
- Mumbai battle rages on
- Timeline of major attacks in India
- Dubai resident recounts horror
- Americans told to defer Mumbai travel
- Israel: Up to 15 citizens held hostage
Eight foreigners were among those killed in the coordinated shootings and explosions across Mumbai two days ago. Two Australians, a Briton, a Japanese and an Italian are confirmed dead, authorities said.
A little known Islamist group called the Deccan Mujahedeen claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to media reports.
Security forces were hunting for one injured terrorist at the Taj, who was moving between floors, and two militants at the Oberoi.
Police said at least seven of the attackers were killed and nine suspects had been taken into custody.
News Editor's choice
-
Allies quit ruling coalition in Nepal
Political row could trigger months of street protests and violence
-
Qatar blaze 'started at nursery'
Fire killed 19 including 13 children, at Doha’s main shopping centre
-
Jagan jailed over illegal assets
Andhra Pradesh leader accused of corruption, cheating, conspiracy
