Mumbai, India (Groundreport) – Mumbai continues to hear gunfire in the wake of terror attacks that began Wednesday. Twelve hours into the attacks, a bomb blast was heard at the Oberoi hotel at 11:15 am Indian time.
The Deccan Mujahideen have claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to Indian news reports. They are demanding equal rights for muslims in India and that all Mujahideen prisoners in India be released.
What came as a surprise to Indian authorities was that the extremists entered the city via waterways linked to the Taj Hotel – a luxury hotel for foreigners. The plan left the police without a plan.
The result was a casualty count of more than 100, and over 186 injured. It is still unclear if the attacks have come to an end. According to reports, the police have holed up the remaining terrorists at a hotel. Approximately 5 of them have been killed.
Among those killed in the attacks, was the chief of the anti-terror squad in India, linking the attacks to international terrorist groups. Authorities believe they are thought to have had some local support as well.
Among the major targets of the attacks were the Oberoi and Taj Mahal hotels, the CST train station – a world heritage site, and a hosptal.
Police have asked the people of Mumbai to stay off the streets, and the city is pretty much deserted now. Nonetheless, gunfire continues to be heard, news reports say.
Authorities say that most of the hostages, thought to be Westerners have now been released.
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