2008 Mumbai attacks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Mumbai attacks of November 2008 |
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Locations of some of the attacks
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| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Date | 26 th November 2008 2120 hrs local time (IST, UTC +5:30) |
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Attack type
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Bombings, Shootings, Hostages |
| Weapons | RDX, AK-47s, and grenades |
| Deaths | 175 |
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Non-fatal injuries
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291 |
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Suspected perpetrators
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Pakistan based terrorist organisation viz. Laskhar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is now known as Makaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad |
The 2008 Mumbai attacks were a series of terrible events that happened in Mumbai, India. On November 26, 2008, attackers targeted seven different places across the city. These attacks sadly killed 175 people and injured 291 others.
Contents
What Happened During the Attacks?
The attacks were carried out by a group of ten armed people. They wanted to cause harm and fear in India. They used guns, grenades, and bombs in different locations.
Places Attacked in Mumbai
The attackers targeted several important places. Here is a list of where the attacks happened:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station: There were shootings and grenade attacks here.
- Leopold Café, Colaba: This popular cafe saw shootings.
- Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel: Attackers shot people, caused explosions, and set parts of the hotel on fire. They also took people hostage.
- Oberoi Trident hotel: This hotel also experienced shootings, explosions, and fires. Hostages were taken here too.
- Cama Hospital: Shootings happened, and some people were taken hostage.
- Mazagaon docks: An explosion occurred, and a boat with military weapons was stolen.
- Mumbai Chabad House (Nariman House): This building was surrounded, and there were shootings and hostages.
- Vile Parle suburb, North Mumbai: A car bomb exploded in this area.
- Wadi Bandar, Mazgaon, South Mumbai: Another car bomb exploded here.
Who Was Behind the Attacks?
The attacks started around 9:20 PM on November 26, 2008. Heavily armed attackers began firing guns and throwing grenades.
How the Attacks Unfolded
Two attackers first opened fire at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station. They then threw grenades near the BMC Office. After that, they went to Cama Hospital, where they tried to take hostages. Outside the hospital, they shot and killed police officers. Two attackers then stole a police car to escape. One attacker was caught, and the other died in a shootout with the police.
Another group of attackers fired guns at people in Leopold Cafe. They took some people hostage, including a Jewish couple. This group then hid inside Nariman House.
At the same time, another group entered the Taj Hotel. They threw grenades and started shooting. They took hostages, including foreigners, and tried to set the hotel on fire. Yet another group entered the Oberoi Trident hotel, shooting and taking hostages on different floors.
Two taxis carrying explosives also blew up. This happened in the Wadi Bunder and Vile Parle areas, killing the drivers and passengers.
The Response and Aftermath
India's special forces, the National Security Guards (NSG), worked to stop the attackers. They fought the attackers who were hiding in the Taj Hotel, Oberoi-Trident, and Nariman House. The NSG finished their operations by November 30, 2008.
In total, 175 people died in the attacks. This included 18 police officers, 122 members of the public, 26 foreigners, and 9 attackers. Also, 291 people were injured.
Who Was Responsible?
Investigations showed that the attacks were planned by a group called Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This group is based in Pakistan. Ten attackers, all from Pakistan, sailed from Karachi on November 23, 2008. A GPS device found on a hijacked boat showed their route from Karachi to Mumbai.
One attacker, named Ajmal Kasab, was caught alive. He told investigators about his connections to LeT. He also shared details about how the attack was planned. He said that Zaki-ur-Rehman of LeT planned the operation. Ajmal Kasab identified the nine other attackers who were killed as his partners from LeT.
Justice for the Attacks
Mohd Amir Mohd Ajmal Kasab, the only attacker caught alive, was a Pakistani national. He was found guilty by a special court in Mumbai. He was given a severe sentence for his crimes on May 6, 2010. This sentence was confirmed by higher courts in India. His request for mercy was denied. He was held responsible for his actions on November 21, 2012.
Two other people, Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin, were also accused in the same case. They were found not guilty on May 3, 2010, because there was not enough proof against them. The prosecution has appealed this decision to the Supreme Court.
Images for kids
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Bullet marks on the wall at the CSMT
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Bullet marks left at Leopold Cafe
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The damaged Oberoi Trident hotel
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The first floor of the Taj Hotel was completely gutted
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Front view of the Nariman House a week after the attacks
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NSG Commandos beginning the assault on Nariman House by fast-roping onto the terrace.
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Candlelight vigils at the Gateway of India in Mumbai
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Citizens gather outside The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel demanding the government take action.
See also
In Spanish: Atentados de Bombay de 2008 para niños
