The terrorist attack on Mumbai on November 26, 2008, shook not only the city but the entire nation. Ten terrorists from the Pakistani terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a series of coordinated attacks, targeting India's financial capital.
Mumbai Attack: The night of November 26, 2008, was one of the most horrific nights in India's history. Mumbai, known as the country's financial capital, was under siege by terrorists at that time. Terrorists, who entered Mumbai by sea from Pakistan, carried out a series of attacks at several prominent locations across the city.
Bomb blasts occurred at several locations, including the Taj Hotel, Trident Hotel, Oberoi Hotel, Nariman House, Colaba Causeway, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. More than 150 people lost their lives in these attacks. Among the deceased were senior Mumbai Police officers such as Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Ashok Kamte, and Tukaram Omble. Today, as 17 years complete since 26/11, we take a look at the complete timeline of this horrifying night and the attack.
November 26, 2008: The Terror of the First Night
- 9:20 PM: Two terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at Leopold Cafe, located on Colaba Causeway in Mumbai. This attack resulted in 10 deaths and several injuries.
- 10:30 PM: Terrorists attacked Cama Hospital, located near the railway station. During this, three police officers attempted to stop the terrorists and were martyred in the gunfire.
- 11:00 PM: The attackers spread out to major locations across the city.
- 4 terrorists entered the Taj Mahal Hotel.
- 2 terrorists entered the Trident Hotel.
- 2 terrorists moved towards Nariman House.
Two terrorists, including Ajmal Kasab, proceeded towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai railway station). Kasab and his accomplice began firing at the railway station. In this attack, 58 people were killed, while many were severely injured.
At 11:00 PM, terror also spread through the Taj Hotel. Many people got trapped in the hotel lobby and rooms amidst bomb blasts and gunfire. Panic ensued at the Trident Hotel as well, with news of terrorists being present, leading to the loss of 30 lives. Thus, on the night of November 26, an atmosphere of bomb blasts, gunfire, and terror persisted in various parts of Mumbai.
November 27, 2008: Rescue and Security Forces Operation
- 2:30 AM: Personnel from the Indian Army and National Security Guard (NSG) entered the lobby of the Taj Hotel.
- 4:00 AM: During the rescue operation, approximately 200 people trapped in and around the hotel were safely evacuated. However, 100 people were still held captive by the terrorists.
- 9:45 AM: Two terrorists entered Nariman House and attacked the center.
November 27-29, 2008: Elimination of Terrorists
The National Security Guard, Navy Commandos, and the Indian Army jointly launched Operation Cyclone against the terrorists. Security forces eliminated the terrorists one by one, while Ajmal Kasab was arrested alive.
- November 28: The Trident Hotel was liberated from the terrorists' grip.
- November 29, 9 AM: Terrorists in the Taj Hotel were eliminated.
These attacks not only plunged Mumbai but the entire nation into shock. Despite the bravery of police officers, soldiers, and civilians, this attack left an indelible scar on Indian history forever. The 26/11 attacks brought life in Mumbai to a standstill. Iconic locations in Mumbai like the Taj, Trident, and Oberoi Hotels became targets for terrorists. Senior police officers such as Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Ashok Kamte, and Tukaram Omble were martyred.
