Mumbai, India (GroundReport) – Emerging news reports say that as many as 200 people are being held at the Oberoi Hotel by terrorists who began a siege of Mumbai Wednesday night.
Gunfire is still being exchanged between the army and the terrorists. Hostages at the Oberoi were seen on Indian TV waving their hands. The Indian army has come under fire for a delayed rescue attempt at the Trident hotel.
Although the army is preparing a final assault, the siege in Mumbai, news reports suggest that the terror threat could continue longer than expected.
Rescue operations now involve checking every room in the Oberoi hotel as the army scurries to bring this operation to an end. Several security officials in the country have admitted to the poor security provided by the Indian armed forces as this latest terrorist plot unveils more than a few leaks in the country’s security.
The latest media reports suggest that one of the terrorists is confirmed to be a Pakistani national and that 9 hostages have been rescued. There are 5-7 terrorists still occupying the landmark Taj Mahal hotel, reports say.
Police have requested that media not calibrate or enumerate this terror attack. Reports suggest that this could be a long haul and continue well into a second day.
The Oberoi Hotel help hotline is 011-23890555. This number is to be used for information on relatives staying at the hotel.