15 years after the 26/11 attacks, remembering the terror attacks in Mumbai.

 

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Fifteen years have passed since the harrowing events of November 26, 2008, when the city of Mumbai, India, was gripped by a wave of terror that shook the nation and the world. The 26/11 attacks.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists infiltrated south Mumbai via the sea and launched attacks at several locations in the city. The indiscriminate attack perpetrated by the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed the lives of 166 individuals and injured more than 300 people.

The targets were carefully chosen after being surveyed for maximum impact, viz., the Taj and Oberoi Hotels, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Jewish center at Nariman House, and the Leopold Cafe, since these places were frequented by Europeans, Indians, and Jews.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat said the designation, originally enacted in 2013, has been recently reasserted in official records.

Six Jews were among those killed during the attack when terrorists held residents captive at the Jewish outreach center of Chabad House (Nariman House).

 

The Israeli Embassy said in a statement that all necessary procedures have been completed to declare LeT as a terror outfit, noting that the decision was made independently without any formal request from the Indian government.

Highlighting that Israel only lists terror organizations that are actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India--those globally recognized by UNSC or the US State Department--"Israel ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs have jointly worked in the last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization on this date to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism.

26th November: Approaching within four nautical miles (7 kilometers) of Mumbai, the terrorists kill the captain of the Kuber. Subsequently, they board three inflatable speedboats, advancing towards Colaba jetty.

At 08.10 pm the boat docks at Macchimar Nagar in Mumbai's Cuffe Parade neighbourhood. Six terrorists disembark here, while the rest continue sailing along the shore. They claim to be students when questioned by local residents about their occupation.

At 08.30 pm another group disembarks at Badhwar Park in Colaba, Cuffe Parade. When approached by Marathi-speaking fishermen, they instruct them to mind their business before splitting up and heading in different directions.

Gunshots were reported at Leopold Cafe, killing 10 people and injuring many, including a Reuters news reporter. They also planted bombs in two taxis, causing the death of five individuals and injuring 15.

 

The victims of the attacks and their families continue to bear the emotional and physical scars of that night. The resilience of the survivors, however, is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and rebuild. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a symbol of the city's resilience, rose from the ashes and reopened its doors after extensive renovations.

As we remember the events of 26/11, it is essential to honor the memory of those who lost their lives and express gratitude for the resilience and unity displayed by the people of Mumbai.