The attacks on westerners and high profile targets today (Thursday 27 November) by terrorists in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, show all the hallmarks of a well organised terrorist group, says Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Associate Professor in Counter Terrorism, Nick O’Brien.

 

“The well organised attacks have taken place in south Mumbai, which is the upmarket financial centre of the city that also contains top class international hotels for visiting tourists and businesspeople,” Professor O’Brien said.

 

“Hotels popular with westerners were targeted by the group and eyewitnesses report that some of the terrorists were attempting to locate people from either the United States or the United Kingdom.

 

“Different methods of attack were also used, from taking hostages to killing people with automatic weapons and grenades.

 

“The number of attackers and affiliation is so far unclear, but reports indicate that four have been killed and nine arrested.”

 

Professor O’Brien said India is used to terrorism – over 2 000 people were killed in terrorist attacks in 2007. “But these latest attacks in Mumbai reveal a degree of sophistication that is disturbing,” he said.

 

“This incident has been well planned and executed and reveals the hallmarks of an organised Islamist group: multiple ‘soft, high value’ targets where westerners were likely to be located, and the use of numerous terrorists.”