On November 26, 2008, Mumbai was struck by a devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of 166 individuals and left hundreds injured. As the city observed the 16th anniversary of this tragic event, people across the nation paid their respects to the victims and honored the bravery of security personnel. The coordinated attacks by LeT militants targeted both civilians and law enforcement, serving as a stark reminder of the threat posed by terrorism. Nine attackers were neutralized by security forces, with the sole surviving perpetrator being sentenced to death and executed in 2012. The 26/11 attacks continue to be remembered as a tragic chapter in India's history, demonstrating the resilience and courage of Mumbai and its people.
On November 26, 2008, the city of Mumbai, India, was subjected to a series of coordinated terror attacks that claimed the lives of 166 people and injured hundreds more. The attacks were carried out by ten terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organization.
Background
The LeT is a terrorist organization formed in 1990 with the goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate in the Kashmir region. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2007 Samjhauta Express bombing.
The Attacks
The 26/11 attacks began around 9:30 p.m. on November 26, 2008, when terrorists attacked multiple locations across Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, the Cafe Leopold, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. The terrorists used automatic weapons and grenades to target civilians and law enforcement officers.
The attacks lasted for nearly three days, and the Indian security forces fought back bravely to neutralize the terrorists. Of the ten terrorists, nine were killed by security forces, while the tenth, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive.
Aftermath
The 26/11 attacks had a profound impact on Mumbai and India as a whole. The city was left devastated by the loss of life and the destruction of property. The attacks also raised serious questions about India's internal security and the threat posed by terrorism.
In the aftermath of the attacks, the Indian government implemented several measures to strengthen its security, including increasing the number of security personnel, enhancing surveillance and intelligence capabilities, and strengthening border controls.
Ajmal Kasab's Execution
Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving terrorist from the 26/11 attacks, was sentenced to death in 2010. He was executed in 2012 after his appeals were rejected. Kasab's execution was widely seen as a symbolic victory for India in its fight against terrorism.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who were the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks? Ten terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organization carried out the attacks.
2. How many people were killed in the 26/11 attacks? 166 people were killed in the attacks.
3. Who was Ajmal Kasab? Ajmal Kasab was the sole surviving terrorist from the 26/11 attacks. He was sentenced to death in 2010 and executed in 2012.
4. What was the impact of the 26/11 attacks? The attacks had a profound impact on Mumbai and India as a whole, leading to a loss of life, destruction of property, and questions about India's internal security.
5. What measures were taken by the Indian government in the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks? The Indian government implemented several measures to strengthen its security, including increasing the number of security personnel, enhancing surveillance and intelligence capabilities, and strengthening border controls.
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