15 YEARS AFTER 26/11 MUMBAI ATTACKS: REFLECTION ON TRAGEDY AND HEROES

The 2008 Mumbai attacks, also known as the 26/11 attacks or 26 November attacks, were a series of devastating terrorist acts that unfolded in November 2008. Over four days, 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant Islamist organization from Pakistan, executed 12 coordinated shooting and bombing assaults across Mumbai. Commencing on Wednesday, November 26, and persisting until Saturday, November 29, the attacks resulted in widespread global condemnation.

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The assailants targeted prominent locations in South Mumbai, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Palace & Tower, the Leopold Cafe, the Cama Hospital, the Nariman House, the Metro Cinema, and areas near the Times of India building and St. Xavier's College. Explosions occurred at Mazagaon in Mumbai's port area and in a taxi at Vile Parle. The Mumbai Police and security forces secured all sites by the early morning of November 28, except the Taj Hotel, which was cleared on November 29 during Operation Black Tornado conducted by India's National Security Guards (NSG).

The attacks resulted in a tragic toll of 175 lives, including nine attackers, and left more than 300 people injured. November 26, 2023, marks the 15th anniversary of this heinous act. The heroism displayed by the Indian Army and Mumbai Police ultimately led to the elimination of all Pakistani terrorists and the capture of one. This

grim episode underscores the enduring impact of the 26/11 attacks on the collective memory of Mumbai and the world at large.

CHRONOLOGY OF ATTACKS

November 26:

Arrival of Terrorists: 10 Lashkar terrorists arrive in Mumbai from Karachi on speedboats.

Initial Reports: First reports suggest a 'gang war,' later revealed as a terrorist attack.

Targets: Four terrorists enter Taj, two enter Trident, two enter Nariman House. Kasab and Ismail attack CSMT.

CSMT Attack:

Kasab and Ismail kill 58 and injure over 100 at Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station.

Ambush:

Kasab and Ismail ambush and kill six police officials, including ATS chief Hemant Karkare.

Arrest and Death: Kasabarrested; Ismail killed; Constable Tukaram Ombale killed in action.

November 27: