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Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Finally Nariman Clear - 2 Terrorists, 5 Hostages Killed
at 10.00 pm
Mumbai: At least five hostages and two terrorists have been killed at Nariman House, a Jewish centre in Mumbai that was taken over by militants on Wednesday night.
J K Dutt, director general of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, confirmed the death of five hostages and that of two terrorists at the Jewish centre in Colaba.
“We have captured the whole building,” said Dutt, adding the commandos were moving through the building to check for explosives.
"We had taken over the second floor of the house when a grenade was launched from above. Three hostages were killed by terrorists before they moved upstairs. NSG comandos moved upstairs to kill two terrorists on the fourth floor. Terrorists killed two hostages in this floor," said Dutt. "Nariman House charge will be given to CRPF and Mumabi Police after the operation is over."
The five-storey Jewish centre is a popular stop for Israeli tourists, especially backpackers, who visit India in thousands every year after finishing their national army service or after their university studies.
Portions of the building have been damaged after rocket-propelled grenades were launched as part of terrorist flush-out operation. NSG commandos entered the building early on Friday morning after rappelling from a helicopter onto the roof of the Jewish centre.
The rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, his wife Rivka and six others were taken hostage by an unspecified number of terrorists. The couple's two-year-old son and a staff member at the centre managed to escape the building.
It is not yet clear if the rabbi of the centre and his wife are among those killed.
Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 155 while 327 others have been injured in the terror attacks that began on Wednesday night. The dead include eight foreigners.
Terrorists Kill 5 Hostages at Nariman House
07.50 pm
Mumbai: Five hostages have been killed by terrorists holed up inside Nariman House, a Jewish centre, in Colaba (Mumbai) even as National Security Guard commandos have secured major parts of the building.
""We had taken over the second floor of the house when grenade was launched from above. Three hostages were killed by terrorists before they moved upstairs. NSG commandos moved upstairs to kill two terrorists on the fourth floor. Terrorists killed two hostages in this floor," NSG Director General Jyoti Krishan Dutt said.
"Nariman House charge will be given to CRPF and Mumabi Police after the operation is over," Dutt said. "We are on the last floor and any time we will finish this operation," he said.
The fate of terrorists is still unclear.
The Jewish centre had earlier been badly damaged after a strong explosion took place at the third floor of the building.
Portions of the Jewish centre have been damaged after rocket-propelled grenades were launched as part of terrorist flush-out operation.
National Security Guard commandos had stormed the building where at least four people were believed to have been taken hostage by a group of heavily armed terrorists.
There was heavy exchange of fire at Nariman House and terrorists also lobbed grenades on the commando team.
NSG commandos entered the building early on Friday morning after rappelling from a helicopter onto the roof of the Jewish centre.
Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 155 while 327 others have been injured in the terror attacks that began on Wednesday night. The dead include eight foreigners.
Mumbai: Nariman House Operation in Final Stage - NSG
at 06.45 pm
Mumbai: The National Security Guard commandos have secured major parts of the Nariman House, a Jewish centre, in Colaba.
"Nariman House charge will be given to CRPF and Mumabi Police after the operation is over," NSG Director General Jyoti Krishan Dutt said.
Safety of hostages in the Jewish center is still unknown and even the fate of terrorists is still unclear.
The Jewish centre had earlier been badly damaged after a strong explosion took place at the third floor of the building.
Portions of the Jewish centre have been damaged after rocket-propelled grenades were launched as part of terrorist flush-out operation.
National Security Guard commandos had stormed the building where at least four people were believed to have been taken hostage by a group of heavily armed terrorists.
There was heavy exchange of fire at Nariman House and terrorists also lobbed grenades on the commando team.
NSG commandos entered the building early on Friday morning after rappelling from a helicopter onto the roof of the Jewish centre.
Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 155 while 327 others have been injured in the terror attacks that began on Wednesday night. The dead include eight foreigners.
Heavy firing again on Taj second floor
05.50pm, IST
- Heavy firing is on at the second floor of Taj Mahal hotel. The firing is going on in a corner room, facing the Gateway of India. It is learnt that a foreign journalist (AFP) was hit in the knee while a bystander, outside the hotel, was shot in the back. Reports say the bullets may have recoched during the cross-fire. The media has been asked to move back as precaution.
- Commandos in Nariman House have been systematically attacking floors. A rocket-propelled grenade went off with a big bang and flash. For a while, there was fire on the other side of the building. Commandos are on the roof. They are also firing from the outside
- Six more hostages have been rescued from the hotel a short while ago. They were escorted out of the back entrance of the hotel
Mumbai Terror Attacks: All Operations Over at Oberoi Hotel
NSG chief on Friday said that two terrorists were killed in Hotel Oberoi Trident and the hotel was under the control.
NSG also recovered unexploded grenades and AK-47 and the team would diffuse the unexploded ammunition.
Earlier, at least 148 hostages, many of them foreigners, rescued from Oberoi hotel.
The group, some of whom were carrying luggage with Canadian flags on, were taken away in cars without speaking to reporters.
The group included one man dressed in Chef's uniform and a small baby.
The release on Friday came as NSG commandos were assaulting a nearby Jewish center and another hotel, searching for terrorists still holed up more than a day after a chain of attacks across India's financial center by the militants left at least 130 people dead.
Earlier, Mumbai Police Commissioner Hassan Gafoor said all hostages inside the Taj hotel have been evacuated but refused to comment on whether the terrorists inside the hotel have been killed.
Regarding terrorists holed up in the Oberoi hotel and Nariman House, Gafoor said NSG commandos are leading the operation and the situation will be brought under control soon.
Gafoor said least 12 terrorists had come to Mumbai from Gujarat.
One NSG commando seriously injured in Taj Hotel, says Mumbai Police Commissioner Hassan Gafoor.
At Oberoi, no gun shots or explosions were heard since late last night as the security forces launched room-to-room searches.
One NSG commando was seriously injured in Taj's eighth floor during the operations, Commissioner of Police Hassan Gafoor told PTI.
"The operations at Taj and Oberoi are in the final stages," he said.
Three terrorists, including a Pakistani national, were arrested by the security forces from the Taj hotel last night. The Pakistani national was identified as Ajmal Amir Kamal, a resident of Faridkot in Multan, officials said.
The suspected militants belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba, they said.
Gafoor said that all hostages inside the Taj hotel have been evacuated and search operations were continuing to flush out the remaining terrorists.
Dutt said two terrorists were holed up in the 8th floor of the Oberoi hotel while in the Trident section the combing operation has been completed.
"As far as Trident is concerned, we have been able to completely clean up and we do not have any report of any terrorist being holed up over there.
"As far as Oberoi is concerned, yes, we have engaged two terrorists on the 8th floor," he said.
Late in the night, there was a major fire in Trident where about 200 people have been trapped and terrorists exploded grenades that set the roof ablaze amid exchange of gunfire.
There were reports that about 30 to 35 hotel guests were safely evacuated.
Among the dead were six foreigners, 14 police personnel, a home guard jawan and 104 members of the public including several staff of the two hotels. Of the 327 injured, police personnel accounted for 26 and foreigners seven.
[02.40pm, IST]
- Operation is over at Oberoi
- Both hotels are under NSG control now
- Two bodies of terrorists found from Oberoi hotel
- NSG recovered AK 47 guns (Chinese made) from terrorists
Gunbattle continues at Taj - 30 Bodies Recovered : Commandos
02.00pm, IST
Marine commandos have recovered 30 bodies from the Taj hotel and have said that around 200 people were held hostage at one of the halls of the hotel.
Commandos told reporters that terrorists were well aware of the Taj's layout and they were carrying AK series rifle. They recovered 1200$ and Rs 6000 from the assailants.
Marine commandos also handed over a Mauritian national identity-card and a number of credit cards recovered from the militants inside the Taj hotel.
Earlier, a gunbattle between NSG commandos and a militant holed up inside the Taj hotel raged up.
An explosion was also heard at the ground floor of the old building of the hotel.
Earlier, Indian Army commander confirmed that at least one militant continues to battle Indian commandos in the Taj Hotel in Mumbai and may be holding two or more hostages.
"Almost all the guests in the hotel and the staff in the hotel have been evacuated," Lieutenant-General N. Thamburaj told reporters.
He told reporters that almost all guests and staff had been evacuated from the Taj and the operation would be wrapped up there in a few hours. "It is just a matter of few hours before "we wrap up things" says GoC, Southern Command.
The new building of Taj hotel has been totally flushed out and cleared and handed over to police, he said adding that one terrorist, possibly two, had moved into the adjacent old heritage building.
"We have heard the sound of a woman and a man, giving indications that they are being held hostage," Thamburaj said but added that almost all guests and staff in the hotel have been evacuated.
He conceded that the there were some casualties among the NSG commandos but would not disclose their numbers and whether they were fatal or otherwise saying that operational details would affect the "mental makeup" of terrorists.
Thamburaj said that operations had to be "deliberate and slow" to ensure the safety of the hostages, guests and hotel staff. The commandos had been told not to rush things under the "pressure of media or citizens".
He said some rooms in Taj are still bolted from inside and people inside are not responding, probably they are scared. "As soon as communication and room services are restored, we will inform them about the situation and ask them to come out".
12.05pm, IST:
Heavy gunfire and grenade explosions have been reported from the Taj Hotel. Media has been asked to stop broadcast for it is believed that terrorists holed up inside are getting access to the security forces' movement.
11.50am, IST
- Six hostages feared killed by terrorists in Oberoi
- NSG Major Sunny Unnikrishnan killed in crossfire
- One terrorist killed during crossfire
- Cops, Journalists take cover outside Oberoi
- Fresh firing reported in Taj Hotel
11.30am, IST
- About 8 to 9 commandos have entered Prem Bhawan, near Nariman House, with two cartons of supplies. Heavy gunfire has resumed.
- Army Commander LT Gen N Thamburaj says the new Taj Hotel building has been totally sanitised and handed over to the police.
- One confirmed terrorist left in the old Taj building. He says the terrorist has knocked out the lights in two floors and is on the move constantly. The NSG has established contact with this terrorist. The army is confident that operations at the old Taj Hotel building will come to an end in a couple of hours.
30 hostages rescued from Oberoi hotel
PTI
11.00am, IST
The NSG's fight against terrorists is "almost coming to an end" and the commandos were tonight locked in battle with the last batch of the
ultras.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Hassan Gafoor said all hostages inside the Taj hotel have been evacuated but refused to comment on whether the terrorists inside the hotel have been killed.
Regarding terrorists holed up in the Oberoi hotel and Nariman House, Gafoor said NSG commandos are leading the operation and the situation will be brought under control soon.
Gafoor said least 12 terrorists had come to Mumbai from Gujarat.
One NSG commando seriously injured in Taj Hotel, says Mumbai Police Commissioner Hassan Gafoor.
At Oberoi, no gun shots or explosions were heard since late last night as the security forces launched room-to-room searches.
One NSG commando was seriously injured in Taj's eighth floor during the operations, Commissioner of Police Hassan Gafoor told PTI.
"The operations at Taj and Oberoi are in the final stages," he said.
Three terrorists, including a Pakistani national, were arrested by the security forces from the Taj hotel last night. The Pakistani national was identified as Ajmal Amir Kamal, a resident of Faridkot in Multan, officials said.
The suspected militants belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba, they said.
Gafoor said that all hostages inside the Taj hotel have been evacuated and search operations were continuing to flush out the remaining terrorists.
Dutt said two terrorists were holed up in the 8th floor of the Oberoi hotel while in the Trident section the combing operation has been completed.
"As far as Trident is concerned, we have been able to completely clean up and we do not have any report of any terrorist being holed up over there.
"As far as Oberoi is concerned, yes, we have engaged two terrorists on the 8th floor," he said.
Late in the night, there was a major fire in Trident where about 200 people have been trapped and terrorists exploded grenades that set the roof ablaze amid exchange of gunfire.
There were reports that about 30 to 35 hotel guests were safely evacuated.
Among the dead were six foreigners, 14 police personnel, a home guard jawan and 104 members of the public including several staff of the two hotels. Of the 327 injured, police personnel accounted for 26 and foreigners seven.
NSG commandos open fire at Nariman House
09.30am, IST, Nov 28
NSG commandos open fire from a chopper at Nariman house, where two to three terrorists are believed to be holed up.
A witness said security forces fired into the building, apparently to provide cover, as commandos rappeled down a rope from the helicopter.
NSG snipers at the site of a besieged Jewish center in Mumbai have opened fire.
Sharpshooters in buildings opposite the headquarters of the ultra-orthodox Jewish outreach group Chabad Lubavitch began shooting early Friday as a helicopter circled overhead.
Militants were believed to be holed up inside the building - possibly with hostages.
Earlier, three fresh explosions rocked Nariman House early on Friday as security forces battled hard through the night to end the siege of Taj and Trident luxury hotels by heavily-armed terrorists as the death toll in the audacious strikes in ten places across the city climbed to 127.
As NSG commandos closed in on Nariman House, a Jewish residential complex in Colaba in south Mumbai, for a final assault, two explosions within a span of ten to 15 minutes slowed down their operation. A third explosion was heard at 4.47 am.
"The operation to clean up the Nariman House is still going on," Director General of National Security Guard (NSG) J K Dutt told reporters adding "it is just a matter of time and it will end soon".
Dutt said the operations at Hotel Taj was by and large over with just one injured terrorist still holed-up in the building. "He has been injured and I think we will be able to mop up the operation there very quickly," he said.
Security Guards, may be over sooner than expected were it not for our endeavour to ensure that there is no collateral damage," the sources said.
Army prepares for final push
00.45am, IST, Nov 28
The Army has rushed in five columns from adjoining areas to beef up its strength, ahead of a "final push" to rid posh hotels Taj Mahal hotel and Trident-Oberoi hotel in south Mumbai from the grip of "well-trained" terrorists holed up in them.
The Army personnel, forming part of the present deployment of around five columns in terror-hit south Mumbai areas, have got a boost with the arrival of the fresh batch from Pune and Nashik, highly-placed sources told PTI.
"The flushing-out operations at these hotels, being undertaken jointly with National Security Guards, may be over sooner than expected were it not for our endeavour to ensure that there is no collateral damage," the sources said.
There is a strong indication that the terrorists are from across the border, based on the description of one of the terrorists arrested at Trident-Oberoi on Thursday, the sources said.
"The terrorists are extremely well-armed. They are carrying AK-56 assault rifles and plenty of grenades. The NSG is also using a fair share of grenades to try to flush them out from hiding," the sources said.
The Army has stationed two columns at the Taj Mahal hotel, a column at Trident-Oberoi and a column each at Colaba market area and CST station. Each column has 50 Army personnel.
Terrorists may have Hijacked Porbander Fishing Boat
A fishing trawler that went missing on November 14 may have carried the terrorists to Colaba coast to hold Mumbai hostage on Wednesday, police sources told TOI.
This boat - Kuber - belongs to a fisherman from Porbander, Vinod Masani, who has been detained by Porbander police for interrogation. Indian Coast Guard spotted the boat with the body of captain Amarsing Naran, 30, in it. Four crew from Navsari and Junagadh districts are still missing. The Coast Guard is also looking for another missing boat which could have been used by terrorists.
It is suspected that this trawler was captured by the terrorists on high seas to be used as their transport vehicle to reach Gateway of India from Karachi port.
Sources in Porbander confirmed that the boat was traced by a Chetak helicopter of Mumbai Coast Guard some 20 nautical miles off Porbander.
This boat had set sail for Jakhau in Kutch near India-Pakistan border for fishing on November 14. Usually these boats return from fishing within 10 days but this one did not. The fisheries department was alerted about this on November 24. Kuber, with a 118 HP marine engine, had five crew members on board. It has a maximum speed of seven to eight nautical miles per hour. The boat is 45x15x11 feet in size and costs Rs 30 lakh. It can carry up to 20 tonnes.
Porbander district headquarters' Coast Guard is interrogating Vinod Masani and his brother Hiralal, who has the power of attorney for the boat. It is also suspected that the Pakistan Marine Agency helped the terrorists hijack the trawler. The missing crew include Balwant Prabhu, 45, Mukesh Rathod, 20, and Natu Nanu, 20, of Navsari and Ramesh Nagji, 37, of Junagadh.
Porbander SP Dipankar Trivedi said, "We are in the process of interrogating some people.'' The suspicion is that terrorists used the trawler to reach Mumbai's marine borders and then used two inflatable boats to reach Colaba.
Junagadh IG I M Desai said, "We have no confirmed information, but know about a fishing boat from Porbander that was missing.''
125 dead, 327 injured in Mumbai attacks: MHA
PTI
As many as 125 people, including 14 police personnel, have been killed in the Mumbai terror attacks, the Union Home Ministry said on Thursday night.
Quoting latest figures received from Mumbai, the Ministry said the dead also included six foreigners and one homeguard jawan. The remaining 104 were public.
The Ministry said 327 people were injured: 26 policemen, 294 Indians and 7 foreigners.
Army preparing for final assault, says Major General Hooda
PTI
07.00pm, IST
As the battle against militants, who attacked prime multiple locations in Mumbai, raged on, Army today said it was preparing for a final assault to flush out the ultras holed up in the Taj hotel.
"NSG is here. They are carrying out a very deliberative operation. They are trained for it and are the best in the country. I have faith in them," Major General R K Hooda, GOC, Maharashtra area told reporters here.
While the army will carry out the flushing-out operations in Taj hotel, the specialised commandos of the National Security guards and the Naval MARCOS will undertake operations at the Trident hotel, where it is believed that the terrorists are holding hostages.
Hooda, the seniormost Army General in Maharashtra, said operation clean-up at the Taj will start from the top floor and the personnel will carry out a room-to-room combing operation.
"There are 365 rooms to be searched. All rooms are closed. Every room has to be opened and searched thoroughly through their own drills, Hooda said.
Army is doing intervention drills by checking each rooms of the hotel. "In case the rooms are locked, we ask occupants to open it. And if they do not, army will carry out intervention drill with due care. They (personnel) are trained for this," he said.
Hooda, however, did not disclose any time frame for the operation citing operational secrecy. "Do not speculate on timing. We can't quantify it."
Asked whether his troops had any confrontations with the holed up terrorists, he said, "No engagement has taken place."
But, he said his men had come across trapped hotel guests who have bolted themselves up in their rooms and efforts were being made to tell them it was safe to come out.
Over 100 people were killed and 300 others injured in the terror attacks in a dozen areas in the metropolis.
6 killed, 200 trapped in Oberoi Trident
PTI
06.40pm, IST
Around 200 people are still trapped inside Oberoi Trident hotel here and five to six staff members of the luxury hotel are learnt to have been killed in the night-long terror seize.
"Altogether, there would be around 200 people inside the Oberoi complex in Mumbai. We believe that not less than 100 people are at the Oberoi side and not less than 100 people inside the Trident side," Vice Chairman of Oberoi Hotels S S Mukherjee said.
The plush hotel is currently surrounded by army and NSG commandos in order to launch an offensive to flush out the holed up terrorists and rescue hostages.
"We have definite information that the casualty of our staff is about five-six people," he said.
Putting last night's occupancy at the hotel to be around 375-385, Mukherjee said the terrorists "have not gone down the basement and have only gone to the upper floors".
He said generally his other staff are safe and secure and that they are "very concerned about guests, dignitaries, employees and other staff who are trapped inside".
"We have very little information about what is happening inside...what we can hear is that people are generally inside the room," he said.
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