Three blasts heard at Nariman House of Mumbai, situation still fluid

Source: Xinhua | 11-28-2008 10:15

MUMBAI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Three blasts have been heard at Nariman House in early morning Friday in Mumbai, India, the last one is at 4:46 a.m. local time.

Earlier, seven terrorists were killed in commando operation at the Taj hotel. There are reports of fresh firing from inside the hotel. Army sources have told Xinhua that operation at Taj might go on till morning.

Director General of National Security Guard (NSG) JK Dutt said that one injured terrorist was still inside the hotel and it's a matter of time before the combing operation is over.

NSG commandos have now launched their final assault at the Trident hotel where fire has been reported on the top floor.

Seven hostages have been rescued from Nariman House which is reportedly surrounded by NSG commandos.

Earlier on Thursday, blasts rocked Oberoi-Trident and Taj hotel. Combined forces of NSG, Navy, Army, Mumbai Police and Anti-Terrorist Squad have rushed to tackle an unknown number of militants hiding in various locations across the city.

Police said no more hostages were in Nariman House but two to three terrorists were suspected to be inside Nariman House.

All the security personnel, armed with sophisticated weapons and communication equipment, were put in strategic locations in all the three sites and are coordinating with each other.

Around 10-12 terrorists are still holed up in the Trident hotel and have taken many hostage. Some of them are Israeli and Canadian nationals. Seven people have been rescued from the Trident, two have been brought out on stretchers.

More than 100 people have been killed so far, including nine foreigners and at least 327 injured in a series of well-coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Terrorists, who apparently came in by boats, struck at 10 places in south Mumbai including five-star hotels, hospitals and train stations.

Maharashtra Director General of Police A N Roy said, "There is no indication so far of the identity of the terrorists."

He said that the terrorists were highly armed, level of weapons and training suggest that they are not locals.

According to sources, terrorists have demanded the release of prisoners and ransoms. However, Ministry of Home Affairs has denied this, saying that the terrorists did not make any demand.

Four Navy ships and choppers have launched search over Gujarat-Goa seas. Navy and Coast Guard are conducting joint search for the ship that may have carried the militants.

Naval commandos have seized credit cards with photos of militants and grenades, AK 47 magazines, shells and knives from militants.

Earlier, NSG and Military Commandos entered the Taj and Trident hotels. Five terrorists have been killed. Several staff members at the hotels have also been killed, including two at Trident.