For the last few days, it was “Hell on Earth” for those living in and visiting Mumbai, India. It was a brutal attack and massacre in which several locations across Mumbai were hit.
This was an attack that was condemned by the entire world. Many countries have already given forth their condemnation of the heinous massacre in which many were killed with many more being injured.
A British security official anonymously said that spy agencies across the world were taken by surprise. The group claiming responsibility is called the Deccan Mujahideen. But, it is unknown where the Deccan Mujahideen had originated from. However, there is the possibility that two of the gunmen may be British citizens. But, it is still too early in the investigation to jump to any sort of conclusion.
An article on the Associated Press has revealed the timeline of the entire Mumbai Massacre. It shows how it began and how it ended.
Around Wednesday, November 26 at 9:21 P.M. two young men are walking through the Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus. So far, one of the gunmen was dressed like a college student.
They were followed by a photographer. According to Sebastian D’Souza, these two young men did not look like gunmen. The next minute, they are shooting at people.
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They were firing from their hips. Very professional. Very cool,” D’Souza explained.
Asides from opening fire, the two gunmen also used grenades. According to the officials, there were ten gunmen that attacked the train station.
Around 9:30 P.M. the Mumbai HQ of the Chabad Lubavitch ends up getting attacked. At the same time, it was pure chaos at the Leopold Café and Bar.
About fifteen minutes later at 9:45 P.M. the Taj Mahal hotel gets attacked. It began with gunmen opening fire at the lobby.
Two minutes later at 9:47 P.M. there is more bloody chaos taking place at the train station(Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus).
According to a restaurant manager, the targets were passengers waiting to hop on the trains.
Around 10 P.M. the Oberoi Hotel gets attacked. According to Andreina Varagona, one of the victims, the feeling was surreal. Varagona said it was like being part of some movie.
About a half-hour later at 10:35 P.M. a police station gets attacked.
The next day revolves around rescuing hostages and fighting the gunmen. This was a well-planned and brutally efficient attack planned by this new and unknown group called the Deccan Mujahideen.
One question lies: Who are these people?
Another question to be asked is: Why have emerged just now?
Also: Where have these people been hiding for the whole time?
So far, there is no conclusive evidence on where this group came from. However, there are suspicions directed towards Pakistan. But, Pakistan’s government has condemned the attacks. The government has also agreed to send the chief of its top spy agency to assist in the investigation.
The Deccan Mujahideen had not appeared on the terror list until just now.
The attack at Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus would be the start of a chain of brutal attacks across Mumbai that would span the period of several days. At a United States standpoint, it will be one of the first international challenges that US President-elect Barack Obama will face once he takes the oath of office on January 20, 2009.
