A Dark Chapter in India’s History The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, also known as the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, remain one of the deadliest and most horrifying terrorist assaults on Indian soil. Specifically, between November 26 and November 29, 2008. ten heavily armed terrorists from the Pakistan-based extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a series of coordinated attacks across India’s financial capital, Mumbai.
Over nearly 60 hours, the attackers targeted prominent locations across the city, including:
- The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a historic luxury hotel that terrorists set ablaze and transformed into a battlefield.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), the city’s main railway station, where terrorists ruthlessly gunned down innocent commuters.
- Leopold Café, a popular tourist spot that terrorists sprayed with bullets.
- Nariman House, a Jewish outreach center, where attackers took hostages and claimed lives.
- Oberoi-Trident Hotel, another luxury property where terrorists brutalized guests and staff.
The attackers used satellite phones and GPS devices to navigate and communicate, demonstrating the sophistication of their plot. They arrived in Mumbai by sea, hijacking an Indian trawler before docking at the city’s shores.
By the end of the siege, 166 people had died, including foreign nationals, police officers, and ordinary citizens. Over 300 others suffered injuries. The media broadcast the chilling attack live, leaving the world shocked and horrified.
Security forces captured one of the terrorists, Ajmal Kasab, alive. His arrest provided critical insights into the attack’s planning and execution. His confession confirmed Lashkar-e-Taiba’s involvement and pointed to support networks in Pakistan.
The attacks led to a significant overhaul of India’s internal security. These measures included the establishment of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the modernization of coastal security. The attacks also increased international pressure on Pakistan to take action against terror networks operating within its borders.
For India, 26/11 became more than just a date—it remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities nations face in the fight against terrorism. The attacks galvanized global counter-terrorism cooperation and continue to shape India’s security policies today.
Even years later, the scars of 26/11 remain. Yet, they stand as a testament to the resilience of Mumbai and its people, and to the relentless pursuit of justice for those affected by this tragic event.
Timeline of the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks (November 26–29, 2008)
A Dark Chapter in India’s History
26, November 2008 (Wednesday)
- 8:00 PM: Ten terrorists, divided into small groups, arrive in Mumbai by sea from Karachi, Pakistan, via a hijacked Indian trawler.
- 9:20 PM: Leopold Café attacked. Two terrorists open fire, killing 10 and injuring several.
- 9:30 PM: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) targeted. Two terrorists fire indiscriminately, killing over 50 people.
- 10:00 PM: Terrorists attack Cama and Albless Hospital, killing police officers, including Hemant Karkare, the head of Mumbai’s Anti-Terrorism Squad.
- 10:15 PM: Terrorists seize Nariman House (Chabad House), taking several hostages.
- 10:30 PM: Attackers storm the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, opening fire and setting parts of the hotel ablaze.
- 10:45 PM: Oberoi-Trident Hotel attacked. Terrorists take hostages as they move through the hotel floors
27,November 2008 (Thursday)
- Early morning: Security forces, including NSG commandos, police, and marine commandos (MARCOS), begin counter-operations.
- 8:00 AM: Some hostages rescued from the Oberoi-Trident Hotel.
- Daytime: Heavy gunfire and explosions continue at Taj Hotel, Oberoi-Trident, and Nariman House.
- Evening: NSG prepares for final assaults on terrorist-held locations.
28, November 2008 (Friday)
- 7:30 AM: NSG commandos kill two terrorists at the Oberoi-Trident Hotel and declare the operations over at the site.
- 11:00 AM: NSG intensifies operations at Nariman House, but terrorists kill two commandos during the assault.
- 6:00 PM: The Nariman House operation concludes. Terrorists kill five hostages before security forces eliminate two attackers.
November 29, 2008 (Saturday)
- 7:30 AM: The final assault at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel begins.
- 8:00 AM: Security forces corner the last remaining terrorists in the hotel’s heritage wing.
- 8:30 AM: Security forces kill the final two terrorists at the Taj Hotel.
- End of Operation: After nearly 60 hours, authorities declare Mumbai secure.
Key Accused Individuals in the 2008 Mumbai Attacks
A Dark Chapter in India’s History
Ajmal Kasab
Kasab was one of the ten terrorists who carried out the attack; notably, he was the only terrorist captured alive by Indian authorities. As a result, his arrest proved to be a critical breakthrough, as it not only revealed essential details that directly linked the attacks to Lashkar-e-Taiba but also confirmed the involvement of Pakistani-based operatives. Furthermore, Kasab’s confessions thoroughly exposed the extensive planning and robust support structure behind the attacks, including, for instance, guidance from Pakistani handlers as well as logistical assistance provided within Mumbai. Consequently, his testimony offered undeniable proof of cross-border orchestration. Afterwards, following a lengthy and highly publicized trial, Kasab was ultimately convicted and, as a result, executed by India in 2012.
David Coleman Headley
Headley, an American-Pakistani dual national, played a key role in the planning of the attack. He conducted surveillance of the targeted sites in Mumbai and provided vital intelligence to the terrorists. Headley was arrested in 2009 by U.S. authorities and later provided evidence against the conspirators, including Tahawwur Rana. Headley received a 35-year prison sentence in the U.S. for his involvement in the attack, although he did not directly participate in the killings.
Tahawwur Rana
Rana, a close associate of Headley, is accused of providing logistical support to the terror plot by facilitating Headley’s travel to India. Rana was arrested in the U.S. and extradited to India in 2025 after years of legal battles. He currently faces trial in India.
Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi
Lakhvi, a senior commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, is considered one of the masterminds of the 26/11 attacks. He gave direct instructions to the attackers during the operation. Though arrested and charged in Pakistan, his trial has faced delays and controversies. Lakhvi remains a key figure in the investigation.
Hafiz Saeed
Saeed, the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the leader of its parent organization Jamaat-ud-Dawa, is believed to be the overall orchestrator of the 26/11 attacks. Despite numerous calls for his prosecution, Pakistan has yet to hold him accountable for his role.
