Mumbai gunmen 'were British'
Justin Davenport and Rashid Razaq
28.11.08
TWO British-born Pakistanis are among the Mumbai terrorists, Indian government sources revealed today.
They were captured with eight others after commandos stormed two hotels and a Jewish centre to free hostages.
Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh revealed that up to 25 terrorists were responsible for the series of bomb blasts and shootings that targeted tourists and foreign interests. At least 125 people have been killed and 327 injured. Security services in Britain were studying images of the attackers in an effort to identify them. Gordon Brown said today it was "too early" to reach any conclusions about British involvement.
Seven terrorists have been confirmed killed in gun battles with Indian special forces, which were still ongoing today in dramatic stand-offs at the three buildings. Between six to eight Islamic militants, professing to be part of the Deccan Mujahideen, were believed to be still holed-up, spread between the five-star Taj Mahal and Trident Oberoi hotels and the Nariman House Jewish centre.
Three terrorists arrested at the Taj Mahal hotel have been officially identified as a Pakistani national and two Indians. Indian authorities have not released any details about the two Britons and the Foreign Office has refused to confirm Indian television reports.
However, a team of Scotland Yard anti-terrorist detectives and negotiators are now on their way to Mumbai to assist. Another of the detainees is reported to be a Mauritian national.
Indian commandos have recovered credit cards and the militants' ID cards as well as seizing a vast arsenal of grenades, AK47 magazines, shells and knives.
Security sources have told the Standard that the attack is believed to be al Qaeda-linked and it is known that
dozens of British-born Pakistanis have travelled to Pakistan in recent years to train in its camps. One source said recently: "The camps are full and many of the people inside are Brits."
Met officers were also interviewing passengers returning from Mumbai as they stepped off planes at Heathrow.
Around 100 hostages have been released from the Oberoi Trident in rescue operations while more than 400 people were brought out from the Taj Mahal last night.
Heavy gunfire was heard as commandos were dropped by helicopter on to the roof of the Jewish centre, where at least 10 hostages were still believed to be being held.
At the Oberoi hotel, groups of captives were rushed out and put in waiting cars, buses and ambulances. Among those released were a group of about 20 airline crew members, almost all Westerners. Briton Mark Abor, was rescued from the Oberoi after barricading himself in his room during the siege.
He said today: "I'm going home, I'm going to see my wife. These people here have been fantastic, the Indian authorities, the hotel staff. I think they are a great advertisement for their country".British lawyer Mark Abell, 51, who spoke to BBC Radio 4's Today programme as he was trapped in his hotel room at the Oberoi yesterday, has also been freed.
Mr Abell broke down as he recalled the moment when he had been standing in the lobby next to a group of Japanese businessmen as he checked in. Moments later the gunmen burst in and at least one of the businessman was shot dead. He told how he had spent the night listening to gunshots and explosions and described the scene of "carnage" when he was eventually led to safety by troops saying "there was blood and guts everywhere .. I was supposed to be working in Delhi but I think I have had more than my fair share of my business trip so I am looking forward to going home to see my family," he added.
A number of rescued Oberoi hostages were airline staff still wearing their Lufthansa and Air France uniforms when they emerged from the building. Seven South African crew members and seven Lufthansa staff were among the rescued foreigners. A they came out some carried luggage with Canadian flags, and two women were dressed in black abayas, traditional Muslim women's garments.
The group included one man dressed in chef's uniform who was holding a small baby.
Mumbai gunmen 'were British' | News