At least 78 people have been killed and many more wounded in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai. An unknown group called the Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility.
In separate attacks, terrorists stormed two luxury hotels and reportedly targeted Americans and Britons, although undoubtedly a large majority of victims were Indians. At last word, the terrorists are still holed up in the hotels. This is the Taj Hotel, with fire burning in the background:
This is the Oberoi Hotel, also on fire:
The terrorists attacked a crowded railway station; you can see the resulting carnage:
A street scene following an explosion:
The terrorists also attacked a restaurant and a police station, and murdered Hemant Karkare, chief of the Mumbai police anti-terrorist squad. At last word, hostages apparently were being held in the two Taj and Oberoi hotels.
These attacks are an outrage and a sobering reminder of the violence from which our government has successfully protected us for the last seven years.
UPDATE: Tom Joscelyn worries about whether Pakistan’s ISI is involved. If so, there is real potential for regional destabilization.
FURTHER UPDATE: It’s been reported that our intelligence agencies have gotten wind of a possible al Qaeda plot to bomb New York’s railway and subway hubs over the holiday season. The Mumbai attack puts those reports in a new light. More on the security precautions that are being taken here.
MORE: The Taj Hotel in flames:
Here, firemen rescue guests from the fourth floor of the Taj:
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