Two Canadians were injured in the Mumbai attacks, a Canadian official has confirmed, and the government has assured it will “secure and protect Canadians in Mumbai.” Also, security forces are regaining control of the two attacked hotels.
Digital Journal — Canada is the latest country to announce its wounded victims in the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said in a statement, “We have been able to confirm that two Canadians have been injured in these attacks. Because of privacy considerations, no other information can be released at this time.”
Cannon also said, “I want to reassure Canadians that our government, in collaboration with officials in Mumbai and the Indian authorities, are doing everything in our power to protect and secure Canadians in Mumbai.”
But a media report has discovered the wounded Canadians to be Michael Rudder, of Montreal, and Helen Connolly, of Toronto. Rudder was shot three times and Connoly was grazed by a bullet. Both were admitted to nearby hospitals.
Canadians are suspected to be among the hostages, according to India’s State’s Deputy Home Secretary Bitin Srimali. He said foreigners being held captive included Canadians, Americans, Italians, British, Swedes, Yemenis, New Zealanders, Spaniards, Turks, a Singaporean and Israelis.
Also, an Indian general said around 10 to 12 gunmen remain holed up inside two hotels and a Jewish centre. Commandos have infiltrated the two hotels, regaining the space and roaming from room to room to find the attackers.
As of Thursday evening, the death toll from the series of coordinated attacks was at 125, including at least six foreigners.
Minister Cannon also stated the obvious when he wrote: “The travel advisory for India has been updated to recommend that Canadians avoid all non-essential travel to Mumbai.”
So far, authorities and police have not yet identified the attackers or their country of origin.
Update: A press release from Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon said “of the 20 Canadians that were accounted for by our officials in Mumbai in the unsafe hotels, 17 are now safe, two were injured and one is deceased.”
Cannon also said the Connoly, who suffered only minor injuries, has been released from the hospital. The other Canadian, Michael Rudder, suffered more serious injuries and is in intensive care but in stable condition.
Cannon also reassured Canadians about maintaining faith in the government’s effort to keep the situation under control. He said, “I want to reassure Canadians and families affected that the Government of Canada continues to deploy every effort to assist Canadians in Mumbai. We must remain vigilant. We continue to monitor the situation very closely.”
