A coordinated Islamist terrorist attack on multiple Mumbai sites killed 175 people and severely strained India-Pakistan diplomatic relations.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 26–29 November 2008
- Total deaths
- 175 (including 9 attackers)
- Injured
- More than 300
- Number of attackers
- 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba
- Property damage
- Over $1 billion
- Attack sites
- 12 coordinated attacks across South Mumbai
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani Islamist terrorist organisation, planned and executed the attacks with logistical support allegedly linked to rogue Pakistan Army and ISI officials. Operative David Headley conducted reconnaissance of the target sites, and ten trained gunmen were dispatched by sea to Mumbai.
From 26 to 29 November 2008, ten terrorists carried out twelve coordinated attacks across Mumbai, targeting hotels, a railway terminus, a Jewish centre, a café, and a hospital. Indian security forces gradually retook each site, with Operation Black Tornado by the National Security Guards ending the siege at the Taj Hotel on 29 November.
The attacks killed 175 people, injured over 300, and caused more than $1 billion in property damage. They severely strained India-Pakistan diplomatic relations and prompted major overhauls of Indian security and law enforcement. Several masterminds, including LeT founder Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, were eventually convicted for terror financing under international pressure.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Ajmal Kasab (field operative, captured), Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi (ringleader).