26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: November 26, 2008, marked one of the worst terror attacks in India. On this day, ten terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) stormed Mumbai, killing 166 people. The deadly 26/11 attack lasted for four days. The well-planned attack, which concluded on November 29, exposed vulnerabilities in urban defense. It left more than 300 people wounded.
The Pakistani terrorists struck prominent locations across the financial capital of India, including hotels, restaurants, a railway station, a Jewish outreach centre, and hospitals. Nine of the gunmen, trained by LeT in Karachi, were killed, while one, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was arrested by the Indian special forces. Kasab was later sentenced to death in 2010 and executed in 2012.
Timeline Of The November 26, 2008, Attack In Mumbai
Here’s an approximate timeline of events between November 26 and November 29.
November 21
Ten armed terrorists set sail towards the Mumbai coast and crossed the Arabian Sea by boat, traveling for about 38 hours.
November 23
The gunmen hijack Kuber, an Indian fishing vessel.
November 26
In the evening, the terrorists kill the captain of the boat as their ship approaches roughly 7 km off the Mumbai coast. They then proceeded towards the city in inflatable dinghies.
Between 8 to 9 pm, the heavily armed terrorists divided into smaller groups and moved towards southern Mumbai’s Badhwar Park and Sasoon Docks.
Between 9.20 to 10.30 pm, the first attacks unfolded at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. Kasab and another gunman, Ismail Khan, opened fire and threw grenades at the crowd there. At least 58 people were killed, and around 104 people were injured in the attack that lasted about 90 minutes.
On the same day, terrorists also attacked Nariman House business and residential complex, accommodating the Jewish Chabad Lubavitch outreach centre. They also targeted the Leopold Cafe, both located in Colaba. They also placed explosives in two taxis, killing 5 and injuring 15.
Four of the terrorists entered Mumbai’s iconic Taj Hotel and attacked guests and staff inside. Indian Navy’s marine commandos MARCOS clashed with the militants inside the hotel. The Oberoi-Trident Hotel was also attacked after two terrorists entered and opened fire on the crowd.
Between 10.30 to 11.30 pm, the attacks escalated after Kasab and Khan targeted Cama Hospital and Albless Hospital. Gunfire and explosions were heard in several parts of southern Mumbai. Several police officers were killed at that time in a gunfight with both the terrorists.
November 27
The next day, the attacks continued as Kasab and Khan headed towards the Metro Cinema area. Khan was killed by Indian security forces, while Kasab was arrested during the early hours. The Police encircled the Taj Hotel as people rushed inside the small rooms.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:00 am | The central dome of Mumbai’s Taj Hotel was bombed. The Oberoi Trident Hotel was cordoned off. |
| 1:00 – 3:00 am | Firefighters try to contain the massive blaze at the Taj Hotel |
| 4:00 am | Firemen evacuated over 200 people initially from the Taj Hotel. |
| 6:00 am | National Security Guards (NSG) commandos took charge of rescue operations. |
| Evening | NSG commandos continue to exchange fire with terrorists. |
November 28
| Date | Time | Location | Event | Casualties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28 | 7:00 – 8:00 am | Nariman House | Situation intensifies; NSG commandos enter through the roof via helicopter | |
| Nov 28 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Oberoi Trident Hotel | Indian forces take control, kill two terrorists, rescue remaining hostages | 30 people killed at the hotel |
| Nov 28 | 4:00 – 10:00 pm | Nariman House | Commandos kill terrorists and rescue surviving hostages | 7 people killed over three-day siege |
November 29
Between 6 to 9 am, NSG commandos secure the Taj hotel, rescuing hostages and killing the last militants. About 31 people lost their lives at the hotel.
