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Attack on Taj Mahal and Oberoi Trident Hotel |
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By: Mid Day Team |
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Date:
2008-11-27 |
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Place: Mumbai |
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Unidentified gunmen, suspected fidayaeens stormed India's luxury hotels, Mumbai located Taj Mahal and Oberoi Trident, late on Wednesday, triggering 7 blasts in the Taj Mahal and two more in The Oberoi. The attacks began at approximately 10 pm IST and till reports continue trickling in by 4 pm IST, at least two attackers each continue to remain hidden in the hotels.
Hotels Damaged:
The attackers triggered off at least seven high powered grenade blasts in the 100 year old Taj Mahal hotel, almost destroying the top portions of the old wing. About 100 personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed to track the whereabouts of the attackers. But in vain. The blasts have resulted in the left wing being engulfed in flames. An almost similar scenario can be witnessed at the Oberoi, almost a mile away from the Taj Mahal., Terrorists entered this hotel in similar fashion, from the main entrance. Triggered off a blast at the ground level restaurant and then disappeared around the fifth or the sixth floor of the hotel.A portion of the hotel has also been damaged due to two blasts caused by hand grenades.
Foreign Nationals held hostage:
Hundreds of residents of both hotels are said to have been held hostage in both hotels, according to reports coming in. Unconfirmed reports indicate that seven Spanish nationals have been held hostage in the Oberoi while a few American nationals have been released. Details were not available. The hotel staff has been requested to remain silent and not to talk to the media. It was also learnt that the Indian Army has been called in to assist Mumbai police and the NSG to weed out the terrorists.
'Horror scenes', say eye witnesses Sarita Dewan, IT employee: 24
I was sitting at the marine drive promenade with my fiancé when I heard a loud blast. We turned around and saw debris falling from the restaurant area of Hotel Oberoi, facing the Marine drive area. I saw people running around. Two of my friends ran towards the hotel and heard firing. We are not sure. Then we heard some one say that gun men had tried to set off a blast in the lobby area where the restaurant is.
Within minutes, the police came and and we could see them pulling out at least three people on a stretcher. We are not sure if they were dead or injured.
We can still see cops all over the place and I have been told there are some people still hiding inside.
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