The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, commonly known as 26/11, were a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai by 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Entering the city via sea from Pakistan, the terrorists targeted iconic landmarks including the Taj Mahal Palace, Oberoi Trident, Leopold Cafe, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). The siege lasted four days, resulting in 175 deaths and over 300 injuries. Security forces, including the National Security Guard (NSG), launched "Operation Black Tornado" to neutralize the attackers. The sole surviving terrorist, Ajmal Kasab, provided crucial intelligence confirming Pakistani involvement.| Attribute | Details |
| Dates | November 26 – November 29, 2008 |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Attackers | 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (Pakistan) |
| Key Targets | Taj Mahal Palace, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House, CST, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital |
| Casualties | 175 dead (including 9 attackers), 300+ injured |
| Key Operation | Operation Black Tornado (NSG) |
| Captured Terrorist | Ajmal Kasab (Executed in 2012) |
| Heroes | Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Hemant Karkare, Tukaram Omble |
The Infiltration: A Sea-Borne Threat
The plot began months in advance with training in Pakistan. On November 23, the 10 terrorists hijacked an Indian fishing trawler, the Kuber, killing the crew and navigating to Mumbai. They landed at Badhwar Park on the evening of November 26, armed with AK-47s, grenades, and GPS devices, before splitting into teams to strike the heart of India’s financial capital.
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The Attacks: Chaos in the City
- Leopold Cafe & CST: The carnage began around 9:20 PM. At Leopold Cafe, gunmen opened fire on tourists. Simultaneously, at the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), two terrorists (Kasab and Ismail) killed 58 people in a brutal spree.
- Hospitals & Police: The attackers moved to Cama Hospital, ambushing a police vehicle and killing top officers, including ATS Chief Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, and Vijay Salaskar.
- Luxury Sieges: Teams stormed the Taj Mahal Palace and Oberoi Trident, taking hostages and setting fires. Another team seized Nariman House, a Jewish center, targeting Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his family.
The Response: Operation Black Tornado
Initial local police response was overwhelmed by the military-grade weaponry of the terrorists. The elite National Security Guard (NSG) commandos were deployed from Delhi.
- The Operation: Dubbed “Operation Black Tornado,” NSG commandos conducted room-to-room clearances. At the Taj, the battle raged for 60 hours.
- The Heroes: Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing a fellow commando at the Taj. Havildar Gajender Singh was martyred at Nariman House. By the morning of November 29, the last terrorists were neutralized.
Capture of Kasab & Aftermath
The most significant breakthrough was the capture of Ajmal Kasab alive. Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble grabbed the barrel of Kasab’s rifle, taking multiple bullets to his chest to ensure the terrorist’s capture. Kasab’s confession exposed the Pakistan-based handlers and the LeT conspiracy. He was tried and executed in 2012. The attacks led to massive security reforms in India, including the creation of NSG hubs in major cities and the formation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
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Quick Comparison: Targets of 26/11
| Target | Nature of Attack | Casualties | Outcome |
| CST Station | Mass Shooting & Grenades | 58 Dead | Attackers fled to Cama Hospital |
| Taj Mahal Palace | Siege, Hostage, Fire | 31+ Dead | Cleared after 60 hours; 200+ rescued |
| Oberoi Trident | Siege, Hostage | 32 Dead | Cleared on Nov 28; 143 rescued |
| Nariman House | Hostage, Execution | 7 Dead | Cleared via heliborne assault |
Curious Indian Fast Facts
- The Sole Survivor: Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist captured alive, thanks to the supreme sacrifice of ASI Tukaram Omble.
- Handler Intercepts: Intelligence agencies intercepted calls between the terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan, who were monitoring live news to guide the attackers.
- Gold Taps: Handlers in Pakistan were heard marveling at the luxury of the Taj Hotel, asking terrorists if they saw “gold taps” in the bathrooms.
- Baby Moshe: The 2-year-old son of the Rabbi at Nariman House, Moshe Holtzberg, was saved by his nanny, Sandra Samuel, who escaped the building amidst the firing.
- Global Impact: Citizens from over 10 countries were killed, making it a global terror event comparable to 9/11 in its psychological impact on India.
Conclusion
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were a grim reminder of the vulnerability of open societies to coordinated terror. However, they also showcased the indomitable spirit of Mumbai and the bravery of India’s security forces. From the martyrdom of officers like Karkare and Unnikrishnan to the resilience of the hotel staff who protected guests, 26/11 is a story of horror, but ultimately, of courage and endurance.
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If you think you have remembered everything about this topic take this QUIZ
Results
#1. How did the ten terrorists infiltrate Mumbai on the evening of November 26, 2008?
#2. Which specific location was the site of the longest battle, lasting 60 hours before being cleared by the NSG?
#3. What was the code name of the elite military operation launched by the National Security Guard (NSG) to neutralize the terrorists?
#4. Which hero made the ultimate sacrifice by taking multiple bullets to his chest to ensure Ajmal Kasab was captured alive?
#5. What significant intelligence breakthrough proved Pakistani involvement in the attacks?
#6. According to the ‘Quick Comparison’ table, how many people were rescued from the Oberoi Trident after it was cleared on November 28?
#7. Which landmark was a Jewish outreach center targeted by the terrorists, resulting in the rescue of 2-year-old ‘Baby Moshe’?
#8. As a result of the security failures exposed by 26/11, which national agency was formed to investigate terror-related crimes across India?
When did the Mumbai terror attacks happen?
The attacks began on the night of November 26, 2008, and lasted until the morning of November 29, 2008.
Who was behind the 26/11 attacks?
The attacks were carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization.
How many terrorists were involved in 26/11?
There were 10 terrorists who entered Mumbai via sea.
Who was the only terrorist captured alive?
Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist captured alive; he was later tried and executed by hanging in 2012.
What was Operation Black Tornado?
It was the code name for the operation launched by the National Security Guard (NSG) to flush out terrorists and rescue hostages from the besieged sites.
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