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Mumbai Battle Not Fully Done

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2008

MUMBAI, India - Indian commandos fought Thursday to wrest control of two luxury hotels and a Jewish center from suspected Muslim militants, a day after a chain of attacks across Mumbai left at least 119 people dead and the city shell-shocked.

Gunfire and explosions were heard throughout the day and night from the besieged headquarters of the ultra-orthodox Jewish outreach group Chabad Lubavitch and the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, two of the top gathering spots for the Mumbai elite. Throughout the day, commandos brought hostages, trapped guests and corpses out of the hotels in small groups while fires erupted periodically and firefighters battled the flames.

State officials said 119 people had died and about 300 were injured.

The well-planned attacks began Wednesday night and officials said the gunmen were prepared, even carrying bags of almonds to keep up their energy during the fight. Their main targets appeared to be Americans, Britons and Jews, though most of the dead seemed to be Indians and foreign tourists caught in the random gunfire.

The gunmen - some of whom strode casually through their targets in khakis and T-shirts - came ready for a siege.

"They have AK-47s and grenades. They have bags full of grenades and have come fully prepared," said Maj. Gen. R.K. Hooda.

Ratan Tata, who runs the company that owns the elegant Taj Mahal, said they appeared to have scouted their targets in advance.

"They seem to know their way around the back office, the kitchen. There has been a considerable amount of detailed planning," he told a news conference.

Throughout the day, Indian commandos moved through the two hotels room by room in a bid to free the dozens of trapped people.

The Maharashtra state home ministry said dozens of hostages had been freed from the Oberoi and dozens more were still trapped inside. More than 400 people were brought out of the Taj Mahal, and army forces were still scouring the building for survivors early this morning.

AMERICANS INJURED

At least three Americans were injured in the terrorist attacks in India.

The State Department on Thursday urged Americans not to travel to Mumbai for at least 48 hours.

Department spokesman Robert McInturff said he could not identify those injured, but The Associated Press learned the name of one victim. Andi Varagon of Nashville, Tenn., called her mother from a hospital Thursday and said she had been shot in the arm and leg while eating dinner at the Taj Mahal hotel.

Another Tennessee woman traveling with her was also injured, but her name was not available, Celeste Varagon said.

The State Department set up a call center for Americans concerned about family members who may be in Mumbai. The number is 1-888-407-4747.

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