Erroneous reporting on the 2008 Mumbai attacks (edit)
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==Number of attackers== | ==Number of attackers== | ||
Only one terrorist involved in these attacks was taken alive. [[Ajmal Kasab]] was captured at the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus. He reportedly claimed that he had been one of a total of 16 [[Fidayeen attack|fidayeen]], although this number was not cited in later police or news reports.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2008-11-29-ArrestedTerrorist">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Arrested_terrorist_says_gang_hoped_to_get_away/articleshow/msid-3772281,curpg-2.cms|title=Arrested terrorist says gang hoped to get away|date=29 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=The Economic Times |location=India}}</ref> He claimed that there had been another nine with him in the boat that had brought him to Mumbai. On 1 December, news reports indicated that investigators still had concerns that there may be terrorists still at large in the city. This was due to the presence of 15 toothbrushes and 15 winter jackets found aboard the hijacked vessel used to transport the hijackers to Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mumbai: 5 Gunmen Still on Loose|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/73828/Mumbai-5-gunmen-still-on-loose|date=2 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-01|work=Daily Express |location=UK}}</ref> | Only one terrorist involved in these attacks was taken alive. [[Ajmal Kasab]] was captured at the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus. He reportedly claimed that he had been one of a total of 16 [[Fidayeen attack|fidayeen]], although this number was not cited in later police or news reports.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2008-11-29-ArrestedTerrorist">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Arrested_terrorist_says_gang_hoped_to_get_away/articleshow/msid-3772281,curpg-2.cms|title=Arrested terrorist says gang hoped to get away|date=29 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[The Economic Times]] |location=India}}</ref> He claimed that there had been another nine with him in the boat that had brought him to Mumbai. On 1 December, news reports indicated that investigators still had concerns that there may be terrorists still at large in the city. This was due to the presence of 15 toothbrushes and 15 winter jackets found aboard the hijacked vessel used to transport the hijackers to Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mumbai: 5 Gunmen Still on Loose|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/73828/Mumbai-5-gunmen-still-on-loose|date=2 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-01|work=[[Daily Express]] |location=UK}}</ref> | ||
On 2 December, the belief that there had been ten terrorists, all coming into Mumbai from Karachi via a hijacked trawler, was given by Mumbai Police Commissioner Hassan Gafoor. He explained that he had reason to believe that the terrorists had broken up into five groups of two men each, during the attacks.<ref name="SkyNews-2008-12-02">{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Mumbai-Terror-Attack-Plan-Revealed/Article/200812115170931?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15170931_Mumbai_Terror_Attack_Plan_Revealed|title=Mumbai Attack Plans Uncovered|date=2 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-02|publisher=[[Sky News]]}}</ref> | On 2 December, the belief that there had been ten terrorists, all coming into Mumbai from Karachi via a hijacked trawler, was given by Mumbai Police Commissioner Hassan Gafoor. He explained that he had reason to believe that the terrorists had broken up into five groups of two men each, during the attacks.<ref name="SkyNews-2008-12-02">{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Mumbai-Terror-Attack-Plan-Revealed/Article/200812115170931?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15170931_Mumbai_Terror_Attack_Plan_Revealed |title=Mumbai Attack Plans Uncovered|date=2 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-02|publisher=[[Sky News]]}}</ref> | ||
==Responsibility claimed== | ==Responsibility claimed== | ||
A group claiming to be Indian made contact with news media, but the language used by them caused confusion over their actual origins. Indian authorities asserted that none of the terrorists were Indian, a claim that was later proved correct when it was revealed through evidence and the testimony of the surviving attacker [[Ajmal Kasab]] that all of the attackers were Pakistani.<ref name="FinancialTimes-2008-11-30">{{cite news|title=India's home minister resigns over Mumbai attacks|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e1ccc782-bd7e-11dd-bba1-0000779fd18c.html|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=Financial Times }}</ref> | A group claiming to be Indian made contact with news media, but the language used by them caused confusion over their actual origins. Indian authorities asserted that none of the terrorists were Indian, a claim that was later proved correct when it was revealed through evidence and the testimony of the surviving attacker [[Ajmal Kasab]] that all of the attackers were Pakistani.<ref name="FinancialTimes-2008-11-30">{{cite news|title=India's home minister resigns over Mumbai attacks|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e1ccc782-bd7e-11dd-bba1-0000779fd18c.html|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[Financial Times]] }}</ref> | ||
===Deccan Mujahideen=== | ===Deccan Mujahideen=== | ||
A previously unknown organisation identifying itself as the [[Deccan Mujahideen]] initially claimed responsibility by e-mail sent to news organisations.<ref name="mumbaiattack-toi">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27901663_1_terror-attacks-mumbai-attacks-foreigners-hostage |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405194038/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27901663_1_terror-attacks-mumbai-attacks-foreigners-hostage |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2011 |title=Terror attacks in Mumbai; six foreigners among 101 dead |date=27 November 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=27 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Deccan Mujahideen claims it behind Mumbai attacks – TV | | A previously unknown organisation identifying itself as the [[Deccan Mujahideen]] initially claimed responsibility by e-mail sent to news organisations.<ref name="mumbaiattack-toi">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27901663_1_terror-attacks-mumbai-attacks-foreigners-hostage |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405194038/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27901663_1_terror-attacks-mumbai-attacks-foreigners-hostage |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2011 |title=Terror attacks in Mumbai; six foreigners among 101 dead |date=27 November 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=27 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Deccan Mujahideen claims it behind Mumbai attacks – TV |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=27 November 2008 |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-36721020081126 |access-date=2008-12-03}}</ref> The name may be due to the Muslim [[Mughal Empire]] conquest of the Deccan plateau, which marked the peak of Muslim dominance in the sub-continent. On 1 December 2008, a new message was sent by the group threatening to attack one or more of three key Indian airports: New Delhi, Chennai or Bangalore.<ref name="TimesofIndia-2008-12-04-DM-Threatens">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-01/india/27948036_1_autos-igi-airport-installations|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031358/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-01/india/27948036_1_autos-igi-airport-installations|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=Deccan Mujahideen email threatens Delhi|date=1 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-04|location=India|first1=Neha|last1=Lalchandani|first2=Dwaipayan|work=The Times of India|last2=Ghosh}}</ref><ref name="AKI-2008-12-04">{{cite news|url=http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=3.0.2781302651|title=India: Three airports on high alert after 'gunmen threat'|date=4 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-04|publisher=[[Adnkronos International]]}}</ref> | ||
====E-mail to Indian media claiming responsibility==== | ====E-mail to Indian media claiming responsibility==== | ||
Claims were initially made via an e-mail sent to news agencies by a group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen ([[Urdu]]: دکن مجاہدین; also referred to as ''Mujahideen Hyderabad Deccan'').<ref name="TheTimesofIndia-2008-11-27">{{cite news|title=Deccan Mujahideen: The new name in terror|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/hyderabad/27944596_1_hyderabad-militants-intelligence-officials|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031011/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/hyderabad/27944596_1_hyderabad-militants-intelligence-officials|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-29|work= | Claims were initially made via an e-mail sent to news agencies by a group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen ([[Urdu]]: دکن مجاہدین; also referred to as ''Mujahideen Hyderabad Deccan'').<ref name="TheTimesofIndia-2008-11-27">{{cite news|title=Deccan Mujahideen: The new name in terror|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/hyderabad/27944596_1_hyderabad-militants-intelligence-officials|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031011/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/hyderabad/27944596_1_hyderabad-militants-intelligence-officials|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-29|work=The Times of India|location=India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-36721020081126|title=Deccan Mujahideen claims it behind Mumbai attacks – TV|date=27 November 2008|agency=Reuters|access-date=2008-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/11/27/2008-11-27_who_are_the_deccan_mujahideen_attacks_be.html|title= Who are the Deccan Mujahideen? Attacks bear al Qaeda hallmarks, but so far no link|last=Sherman|first=William|date=27 November 2008|work=Daily News|access-date=2008-11-28|location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24718115-5012747,00.html|title=Deccan Mujahideen is a name written in blood|last=Dunn|first=Mark|date=28 November 2008|publisher=Herald Sun|access-date=2008-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/CONTENT/Sep152008/scroll2008091590090.asp?section=frontpagenews |title=Next Mumbai: Indian Mujahideen |date=15 September 2008 |work=Deccan Herald|location=India |access-date=2008-11-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918065042/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Sep152008/scroll2008091590090.asp?section=frontpagenews |archive-date=18 September 2008 }}</ref> The Internet connection from which the e-mail was originally sent was reportedly traced to Russia, and was considered, for this reason, likely to be bogus by some intelligence experts such as B Raman, who spoke to [[NewsX]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/27/mumbai-terror-attacks-india8|title=Mumbai terror attacks: Who could be behind them?|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-29|work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Maseeh | last=Rahman}}</ref> Further analysis, however, determined that the Russian e-mail address was registered to a computer user located in Pakistan,<ref name="Hindu-emailOrigin">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113060790100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201033420/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113060790100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 December 2008 |title=Deccan Mujahideen e-mail originated in Pakistan |date=30 November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-30 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> and routed through Lahore.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-02/india/27948426_1_terror-attacks-terror-mail-serial-blasts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031457/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-02/india/27948426_1_terror-attacks-terror-mail-serial-blasts|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=Terror mail routed through Pakistan's Lahore|date=2 December 2008|access-date=2008-11-02|work=The Times of India|location=India}}</ref> India's RAW intelligence agency suggested that [[speech recognition|voice recognition]] software had been used to create the e-mail content. Analysis shows that the language of the manifesto corresponds to similar language used by a prior Indian Mujahideen manifesto issued after a New Delhi bombing in September 2008, thus raising the possibility that the authors may be linked.<ref name="TheHindu-2008-11-30">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113060790100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201033420/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113060790100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2008|title=e-mail came from Pakistan|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=India}}</ref> A factor weighing against this likelihood, however, is the language: the e-mail purportedly sent by the Deccan Mujahideen was written in Hindi with some Urdu words, and used a relatively mild tone, compared with previous Indian Mujahideen e-mails, which have been in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/In-Hindi--this-terror-mail-is-different/391563 |title=In Hindi, this terror mail is different |work=The Indian Express |location=India |date=28 November 2008 |access-date=2010-12-06}}</ref> | ||
''[[The New York Times]]'' has stated that international security experts "drew a blank on" the Deccan Mujahideen group, with one analyst labelling it a "front name",<ref name="Whom">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/asia/28group.html?_r=2&hp=&pagewanted=all|title=Sophisticated Attacks, but by Whom?|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-27|last=Cowell|first=Alan|author2=Souad Mekhennet|work=New York Times }}</ref> perhaps from a "home-grown" terrorist group, such as Indian Mujahideen (IM).<ref name="AssociatedPress-2008-11-27">{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/national/389783_intell28.html|title=Homegrown terrorism probable in India attack|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-12-05|agency=Associated Press|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|first=Paisley|last=Dodds}}</ref> The existence of a group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen was unknown to intelligence agencies prior to the Mumbai attacks in November 2008<ref name="TheTimesofIndia-2008-11-27" /> and the existence of the Deccan Mujahideen has not been verified. It may be an assumed name for another terrorist organization.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7751160.stm|title= Mumbai rocked by deadly attacks|work=BBC News|date=26 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Lashkar behind Mumbai attacks: Intelligence sleuths | url = http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=150915 | publisher=merinews}}</ref> Indian Islamic militants are known to issue hoax claims of responsibility in this fashion.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mark|first=Mark|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24718115-5012747,00.html|title=Deccan Mujahideen is a name written in blood|publisher=Herald Sun|date=27 November 2008}}</ref> | ''[[The New York Times]]'' has stated that international security experts "drew a blank on" the Deccan Mujahideen group, with one analyst labelling it a "front name",<ref name="Whom">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/asia/28group.html?_r=2&hp=&pagewanted=all|title=Sophisticated Attacks, but by Whom?|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-27|last=Cowell|first=Alan|author2=Souad Mekhennet|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> perhaps from a "home-grown" terrorist group, such as Indian Mujahideen (IM).<ref name="AssociatedPress-2008-11-27">{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/national/389783_intell28.html|title=Homegrown terrorism probable in India attack|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-12-05|agency=Associated Press|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|first=Paisley|last=Dodds}}</ref> The existence of a group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen was unknown to intelligence agencies prior to the Mumbai attacks in November 2008<ref name="TheTimesofIndia-2008-11-27" /> and the existence of the Deccan Mujahideen has not been verified. It may be an assumed name for another terrorist organization.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7751160.stm|title= Mumbai rocked by deadly attacks|work=BBC News|date=26 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Lashkar behind Mumbai attacks: Intelligence sleuths | url = http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=150915 | publisher=merinews}}</ref> Indian Islamic militants are known to issue hoax claims of responsibility in this fashion.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mark|first=Mark|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24718115-5012747,00.html|title=Deccan Mujahideen is a name written in blood|publisher=Herald Sun|date=27 November 2008}}</ref> | ||
====Cellphone call to India TV==== | ====Cellphone call to India TV==== | ||
Two of the terrorists involved in the attack, Shadullah and Imran Babar, called [[India TV]] twice during the siege on Thursday, 27 November, using cellphones they had taken from their hostages. Shadullah claimed that he belonged to Deccan Mujahideen. The anchor repeatedly asked whether he was from [[Hyderabad, India]], or from [[Hyderabad, Sindh|Hyderabad in Pakistan]], to which he responded that he belonged to Hyderabad of the Deccan. Shadullah also spoke of his motives during this conversation.<ref name=IndiaTV>{{cite news|url=http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=17627|title=Terrorists Ring Up India TV Twice During Siege Using Hostages' Cellphones|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|publisher=[[India TV]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118131033/http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=17627|archive-date=18 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> | Two of the terrorists involved in the attack, Shadullah and Imran Babar, called [[India TV]] twice during the siege on Thursday, 27 November, using cellphones they had taken from their hostages. Shadullah claimed that he belonged to Deccan Mujahideen. The anchor repeatedly asked whether he was from [[Hyderabad, India]], or from [[Hyderabad, Sindh|Hyderabad in Pakistan]], to which he responded that he belonged to Hyderabad of the Deccan. Shadullah also spoke of his motives during this conversation.<ref name=IndiaTV>{{cite news|url=http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=17627|title=Terrorists Ring Up India TV Twice During Siege Using Hostages' Cellphones|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|publisher=[[India TV]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118131033/http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=17627|archive-date=18 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
However, it has been suggested that "[the] [[risible]] attempt to claim the Mumbai killings in the name of the | However, it has been suggested that "[the] [[risible]] attempt to claim the Mumbai killings in the name of the 'Deccan Mujahideen' merely confirms that wherever the killers are from, it is not the Deccan."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/nov/28/mumbai-terror-attacks-india-islam|title=Bombs and bullets cannot destroy India – as long as its gates remain open|last=Tharoor|first=Shashi|work=The Guardian |date=28 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30 | location=London}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'' has questioned the authentic use of the term Deccan, since "Deccan" could denote any place between [[Pune]] and [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]. It further cited unnamed analysts who ruled out direct connection with Hyderabad citizens or a home-grown Indian organisation since "the attacks bear the stamp of a high motivated and trained foreign agency."<ref name="TheTimesofIndia-2008-11-27" /> | ||
====Threat of further attack at airports==== | ====Threat of further attack at airports==== | ||
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The [[Indian Mujahideen]] terrorist group threatened in September 2008 to carry out bombings in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&issueid=71&task=view&id=15328§ionid=4&Itemid=1|title=Indian Mujahideen threatens to target Mumbai|publisher=[[India Today]]|date=14 September 2008|access-date=2008-11-26}}</ref><ref name=forpol>{{cite news|url=http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/10392|title=Who are the Deccan Mujahideen?|publisher=Foreign Policy.com|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-27}}</ref> ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' magazine has speculated that it is possible the Deccan Mujahideen organisation, if it exists, could be related to this organisation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5871|title=Deccan terrorist group strike the helpless in Mumbai|publisher=NewDesignWorld Press|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-27|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225120932/http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5871|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&issueid=71&task=view&id=15328§ionid=4&Itemid=1|title=Indian Mujahideen threatens to target Mumbai|publisher=India Today|date=14 September 2008|access-date=2008-11-26}}</ref> On 21 September 2008, Delhi police raided [[Batla House encounter case|Batla House]] and arrested members of Indian Mujahideen. This reputedly caused an indirect change to the timetable of the attack.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2008-12-03">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Lashkars_naval_wing_may_be_functional/articleshow/3788650.cms|title=Lashkar's naval wing may be functional|date=3 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-13|work=The Economic Times |location=India}}</ref> When Batla House was raided, Delhi police claimed that there was a conspiracy between Indian Mujahideen, the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (see below).<ref name="ExpressIndia-2008-09-21">{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Delhi-3-militants-Batla-House-caretaker-arrested/364044/|title=Delhi: 3 militants, Batla House caretaker arrested|date=21 September 2008|access-date=2009-12-13|publisher=[[Express India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922093209/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Delhi-3-militants-Batla-House-caretaker-arrested/364044/|archive-date=22 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> | The [[Indian Mujahideen]] terrorist group threatened in September 2008 to carry out bombings in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&issueid=71&task=view&id=15328§ionid=4&Itemid=1|title=Indian Mujahideen threatens to target Mumbai|publisher=[[India Today]]|date=14 September 2008|access-date=2008-11-26}}</ref><ref name=forpol>{{cite news|url=http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/10392|title=Who are the Deccan Mujahideen?|publisher=Foreign Policy.com|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-27}}</ref> ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' magazine has speculated that it is possible the Deccan Mujahideen organisation, if it exists, could be related to this organisation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5871|title=Deccan terrorist group strike the helpless in Mumbai|publisher=NewDesignWorld Press|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-27|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225120932/http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/5871|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&issueid=71&task=view&id=15328§ionid=4&Itemid=1|title=Indian Mujahideen threatens to target Mumbai|publisher=India Today|date=14 September 2008|access-date=2008-11-26}}</ref> On 21 September 2008, Delhi police raided [[Batla House encounter case|Batla House]] and arrested members of Indian Mujahideen. This reputedly caused an indirect change to the timetable of the attack.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2008-12-03">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Lashkars_naval_wing_may_be_functional/articleshow/3788650.cms|title=Lashkar's naval wing may be functional|date=3 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-13|work=The Economic Times |location=India}}</ref> When Batla House was raided, Delhi police claimed that there was a conspiracy between Indian Mujahideen, the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (see below).<ref name="ExpressIndia-2008-09-21">{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Delhi-3-militants-Batla-House-caretaker-arrested/364044/|title=Delhi: 3 militants, Batla House caretaker arrested|date=21 September 2008|access-date=2009-12-13|publisher=[[Express India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922093209/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Delhi-3-militants-Batla-House-caretaker-arrested/364044/|archive-date=22 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
According to some news reports, a terrorist holding hostages at the Oberoi Trident Hotel during the Mumbai attacks of November 2008 told an Indian TV channel that they wanted all '[[Mujahideen]]' in Indian prisons set free before they released their hostages. He also indicated that there were seven terrorists holding hostages at that location.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/mumbai/27945486_1_taj-hotel-terrorists-deccan-mujahedeen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811040611/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/mumbai/27945486_1_taj-hotel-terrorists-deccan-mujahedeen|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|work= | According to some news reports, a terrorist holding hostages at the Oberoi Trident Hotel during the Mumbai attacks of November 2008 told an Indian TV channel that they wanted all '[[Mujahideen]]' in Indian prisons set free before they released their hostages. He also indicated that there were seven terrorists holding hostages at that location.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/mumbai/27945486_1_taj-hotel-terrorists-deccan-mujahedeen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811040611/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/mumbai/27945486_1_taj-hotel-terrorists-deccan-mujahedeen|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 August 2011|work=The Times of India|title=We want all Mujahideen released: terrorist inside Oberoi| date=27 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/mumbai-attacks-day-two/?wikipedia|title=Mumbai Attacks: Day Two|series=The Lede blog|work=The New York Times |last=Brustein|first=Joshua|date=26 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-27}}</ref> Other reports indicate that this demand was made through a hostage at the Mumbai Chabad House, in a call to the Israeli embassy in New Delhi.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1041535.html |title=Reports differ over release of Mumbai Chabad center captives |date=<!-- 02:42 --> 28 November 2008 |work=Haaretz Staff and News Agencies|publisher=Haaretz|access-date=2008-11-29}}</ref> | ||
====Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)==== | ====Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)==== | ||
[[Students Islamic Movement of India]] (SIMI) was suspected of providing local assistance to the attackers.<ref name="TV3-2008-11-28">{{cite news|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/16026.html|title=Identity of Mumbai attackers still uncertain|date=28 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|publisher=TV3}}</ref> A number of sympathizers of SIMI were detained on 27 November and questioned in connection with the attacks.<ref name="TimesofIndia-2008-11-28">{{cite news|title=City on high alert, pro-SIMI men picked up|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-28/delhi/27913248_1_terror-attacks-delhi-police-y-s-dadwal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031520/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-28/delhi/27913248_1_terror-attacks-delhi-police-y-s-dadwal|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|date=28 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|location=India|first1=Rahul|work= | [[Students Islamic Movement of India]] (SIMI) was suspected of providing local assistance to the attackers.<ref name="TV3-2008-11-28">{{cite news|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/16026.html|title=Identity of Mumbai attackers still uncertain|date=28 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|publisher=TV3}}</ref> A number of sympathizers of SIMI were detained on 27 November and questioned in connection with the attacks.<ref name="TimesofIndia-2008-11-28">{{cite news|title=City on high alert, pro-SIMI men picked up|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-28/delhi/27913248_1_terror-attacks-delhi-police-y-s-dadwal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031520/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-28/delhi/27913248_1_terror-attacks-delhi-police-y-s-dadwal|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|date=28 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|location=India|first1=Rahul|work=The Times of India|last1=Tripathi}}</ref> SIMI's activities, as separable from those of Indian Mujahideen, is a subject of debate. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine cited an unnamed Indian expert's assertion that, "Indian Mujahideen is simply a renamed SIMI."<ref name="Time-2008-11-28">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1862733,00.html?imw=Y|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081129130444/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1862733,00.html?imw=Y|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 November 2008|title=Who's Behind the Mumbai Massacre?|date=28 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]| first=Simon | last=Robinson}}</ref> | ||
===Jaish-e-Mohammed=== | ===Jaish-e-Mohammed=== | ||
As early as 27 November, published reports contained suggestions by analysts that a connection might exist between the attacks and the Pakistan-based [[Jaish-e-Mohammed]] (JeM) organisation, even as others questioned whether "Deccan Mujahideen" could be an Indian-based "home-grown militancy. | As early as 27 November, published reports contained suggestions by analysts that a connection might exist between the attacks and the Pakistan-based [[Jaish-e-Mohammed]] (JeM) organisation, even as others questioned whether "Deccan Mujahideen" could be an Indian-based "home-grown militancy".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_307372.html|title=A home grown militancy?|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-12-03|work=[[The Straits Times]]}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | ||
On 3 December, the Indian Foreign Minister added the name of [[Masood Azhar]]<ref name="BBC-Profile-Maulana-Masood-Azhar">{{cite news|title=Profile: Maulana Masood Azhar|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/578369.stm|date=16 December 2002|access-date=2008-12-03|work=BBC}}</ref> (alias Maulana Masood Azhar), leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, to the list of people wanted in connection with the Mumbai attacks and prior terrorist attacks in India. Azhar was described as "a suspected terrorist freed from prison in India in exchange for the release of hostages aboard a hijacked Indian Airlines aircraft in December 1999."<ref name="IHT-2008-12-03" /> | On 3 December, the Indian Foreign Minister added the name of [[Masood Azhar]]<ref name="BBC-Profile-Maulana-Masood-Azhar">{{cite news|title=Profile: Maulana Masood Azhar|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/578369.stm|date=16 December 2002|access-date=2008-12-03|work=BBC}}</ref> (alias Maulana Masood Azhar), leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, to the list of people wanted in connection with the Mumbai attacks and prior terrorist attacks in India. Azhar was described as "a suspected terrorist freed from prison in India in exchange for the release of hostages aboard a hijacked Indian Airlines aircraft in December 1999."<ref name="IHT-2008-12-03" /> | ||
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===Al-Qaeda=== | ===Al-Qaeda=== | ||
Experts have conflicting views as to whether [[Al Qaeda]] played a role in the attacks.<ref name=Westerners>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5248563.ece|title=Focus on Westerners suggests al-Qaeda was pulling strings |work=The Times |date=28 November 2008 |author1=Jeremy Page |author2=Catherine Philp |author3=Michael Evans | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://iht.com/articles/2008/11/27/asia/28group.php|title=Experts doubt Al Qaeda link in Mumbai attacks}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/mumbai-terror-attacks-follow-al-qaeda-blueprint/12/21/50286/on|title=Mumbai Terror: Attacks follow al-Qaeda blueprint|date=28 November 2008<!--, 12:16 IST-->|work=Press Trust of India |publisher=Business standards|access-date=2008-11-29}}</ref> As events unfolded on 27 November, direct or indirect involvement by [[Al Qaeda]] could not be ruled out by Indian and British officials, although they noted that "the assault is not typical of the group, which generally favors suicide bombings."<ref name="DailyNews-2008-11-27">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/11/27/2008-11-27_who_are_the_deccan_mujahideen_attacks_be.html|title=Who are the Deccan Mujahideen? Attacks bear al Qaeda hallmarks, but so far no link|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=New York Daily News |first=William|last=Sherman}}</ref> On 29 November, unnamed Indian and American intelligence sources reported increasing evidence for an indirect connection to Al Qaeda through Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).<ref name="ABS-CBN-2008-11-25">{{cite news|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/11/29/08/mumbai-attacks-al-qaeda-methods-ideology|title=Mumbai attacks: Al-Qaeda methods & ideology|date=29 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|publisher=[[ABS-CBN Corporation]]}}</ref> Others analysts considered that the attackers in Mumbai, even if they were not directly or even indirectly linked to the more notorious terrorist group, were at least philosophically aligned or inspired by Al Qaeda.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=awu7hpT_qSVM&refer=canada|title=India Attacks Indicate Al-Qaeda Link, Experts Say (Update1)|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-12-02|publisher=[[Bloomberg News]]}}</ref> | Experts have conflicting views as to whether [[Al Qaeda]] played a role in the attacks.<ref name=Westerners>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5248563.ece|title=Focus on Westerners suggests al-Qaeda was pulling strings |work=[[The Times]] |date=28 November 2008 |author1=Jeremy Page |author2=Catherine Philp |author3=Michael Evans | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://iht.com/articles/2008/11/27/asia/28group.php|title=Experts doubt Al Qaeda link in Mumbai attacks}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/mumbai-terror-attacks-follow-al-qaeda-blueprint/12/21/50286/on|title=Mumbai Terror: Attacks follow al-Qaeda blueprint|date=28 November 2008<!--, 12:16 IST-->|work=Press Trust of India |publisher=Business standards|access-date=2008-11-29}}</ref> As events unfolded on 27 November, direct or indirect involvement by [[Al Qaeda]] could not be ruled out by Indian and British officials, although they noted that "the assault is not typical of the group, which generally favors suicide bombings."<ref name="DailyNews-2008-11-27">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/11/27/2008-11-27_who_are_the_deccan_mujahideen_attacks_be.html|title=Who are the Deccan Mujahideen? Attacks bear al Qaeda hallmarks, but so far no link|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[New York Daily News|Daily News]] |location=New York |first=William|last=Sherman}}</ref> On 29 November, unnamed Indian and American intelligence sources reported increasing evidence for an indirect connection to Al Qaeda through Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).<ref name="ABS-CBN-2008-11-25">{{cite news|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/11/29/08/mumbai-attacks-al-qaeda-methods-ideology|title=Mumbai attacks: Al-Qaeda methods & ideology|date=29 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|publisher=[[ABS-CBN Corporation]]}}</ref> Others analysts considered that the attackers in Mumbai, even if they were not directly or even indirectly linked to the more notorious terrorist group, were at least philosophically aligned or inspired by Al Qaeda.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=awu7hpT_qSVM&refer=canada|title=India Attacks Indicate Al-Qaeda Link, Experts Say (Update1)|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-12-02|publisher=[[Bloomberg News]]}}</ref> | ||
On 27 November, Christine Fair, of the [[RAND Corporation]], warned explicitly about making an overly-hasty connection between these attacks and the [[9/11 attacks]], stating that it was, in her opinion, an act of indigenous disaffected Indians: " | On 27 November, Christine Fair, of the [[RAND Corporation]], warned explicitly about making an overly-hasty connection between these attacks and the [[9/11 attacks]], stating that it was, in her opinion, an act of indigenous disaffected Indians: "There's absolutely nothing Al Qaeda-like about it ... This is not India's 9/11. This is India's [[Oklahoma City bombing|Oklahoma City]]."<ref name="NWO-Truth-2008-11-27">{{cite web|url=http://www.nwotruth.com/mumbai-attacks-blamed-on-al-qaeda-as-pretext-for-us-military-response/|title=Mumbai Attacks Blamed on Al-Qaeda As Pretext For U.S. Military Response|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|author=Phillip Dru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203025845/http://www.nwotruth.com/mumbai-attacks-blamed-on-al-qaeda-as-pretext-for-us-military-response/|archive-date=3 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="USA-Today-2008-11-27">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-11-27-mumbai_N.htm|title=Attack forces India onto front lines of global war on terror|date=28 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=USA Today | first1=Paul | last1=Wiseman | first2=Siddharth | last2=Philip | first3=Richard | last3=Wolf | first4=Thomas | last4=Frank}}</ref> Such analysis, however, proved to be incorrect. Later reports indicated that all the attackers came to India from Pakistan. | ||
Until 2 December, claims that the attackers had had links to [[Al Qaeda]] were generally unsubstantiated. However, indirect ties between Al Qaeda and the Mumbai terrorists have emerged based on the following assertions: | Until 2 December, claims that the attackers had had links to [[Al Qaeda]] were generally unsubstantiated. However, indirect ties between Al Qaeda and the Mumbai terrorists have emerged based on the following assertions: | ||
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===Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence=== | ===Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence=== | ||
Rogue elements of the Pakistani [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI) agency may have provided training or material support for the terrorists.<ref name="ReferenceA">Strategic affairs analyst K Subrahmanyam, writing in | Rogue elements of the Pakistani [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI) agency may have provided training or material support for the terrorists.<ref name="ReferenceA">Strategic affairs analyst [[K. Subrahmanyam]], writing in ''[[The Times of India]]''. Quoted by {{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/india-mumbai-arrests/update-1-three-pakistani-militants-held-in-mumbai-media-idINSP20287920081128 |title=Update 1-Three Pakistani militants held in Mumbai - media |agency=Reuters |date=27 November 2008}}</ref> The ISI has been suspected of providing support to LeT or JeM in the past,<ref name="Telegraph-2008-12-01-Rift">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/3540095/Mumbai-attacks-Rift-between-Pakistan-army-and-government-Bombay-India.html|title=Mumbai attacks: Rift between Pakistan army and government|date=1 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-02|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London | first=Isambard | last=Wilkinson}}</ref> and it has been suggested that "the equipment, training and sophistication of [the planning of the Mumbai attacks] would tend to indicate a Pakistani link."<ref name="ReferenceA"/> It has also been alleged that the ISI once had plans, now abandoned, to support LeT-trained insurgents in attacks on Indian-controlled Kashmir. "The possibility of rogue elements in ISI and jihadi elements in Pakistan conspiring to create tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad cannot be ruled out."<ref name="Reuters-2008-11-28-Three-Pakistani-Militants">{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINSP20287920081128?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true|title=Update 1-Three Pakistani militants held in Mumbai – media|date=28 October 2008|access-date=2008-10-30|agency=Reuters}}</ref> The many fake identities and credit cards used by the terrorists have also led Mumbai police to suspect ISI involvement.<ref name="TimesOfIndia-2008-10-30-Mumbai-locals" /> | ||
Sources from Pakistan have fiercely opposed this allegation. Pakistan's Ambassador to the US stated: "No element of Pakistan's State or Government was involved in these attacks. These attacks are the actions of non-state actors."<ref name="CNN-Vid-Pakistan">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/11/28/tsr.intv.pakistan.ambassador.mumbai.cnn|title=Pakistan Claims al Qaeda Attack – CNN Video|date=1 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-01}}</ref> | Sources from Pakistan have fiercely opposed this allegation. Pakistan's Ambassador to the US stated: "No element of Pakistan's State or Government was involved in these attacks. These attacks are the actions of non-state actors."<ref name="CNN-Vid-Pakistan">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/11/28/tsr.intv.pakistan.ambassador.mumbai.cnn|title=Pakistan Claims al Qaeda Attack – CNN Video|date=1 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-01}}</ref> | ||
===Former or active Pakistani Army members=== | ===Former or active Pakistani Army members=== | ||
In December, reports alleged that the terrorists had been trained by former members of the Pakistani army: "Mumbai police commissioner Hasan Ghafoor said ex-Pakistani army officers trained the group – some for up to 18 months. | In December, reports alleged that the terrorists had been trained by former members of the Pakistani army: "Mumbai police commissioner Hasan Ghafoor said ex-Pakistani army officers trained the group – some for up to 18 months".<ref name="CBS-2008-12-02-Gunmen-Came-From-Pakistan" /> These news reports asserted that two active-duty Pakistani army corps commanders may have provided equipment and training for up to "70-odd terrorists tasked with the Mumbai operations." Analysts were said to be divided over whether Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Kiyani knew of these operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mumbai 11/27: the Pakistan army's alibi|url=http://www.upiasia.com/Politics/2008/12/01/mumbai_1127_the_pakistan_armys_alibi/2993/|date=1 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-02|publisher=[[UPI Asia]]}}</ref> Increasing strains between the civil and military leadership of the Pakistani government was widely noted in the days following the Mumbai attack.<ref name="Telegraph-2008-12-01-Rift" /> | ||
===Indian fugitives in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia=== | ===Indian fugitives in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia=== | ||
On 3 December, Indian [[Foreign Minister]] [[Pranab Mukherjee]] released a statement that the Indian government was asking the Pakistani authorities for the arrest and extradition to India of about 20 Indian fugitives believed to be currently residing in Pakistan, in connection with the November 2008 and previous terrorist attacks. These fugitives included Dawood Ibrahim and Masood Azhar.<ref name="IHT-2008-12-03">{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/02/asia/mumbai.php|title=India insists Pakistan hand over 'fugitives'|work=International Herald Tribune |date=3 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-03}}</ref> Pakistani President [[Asif Ali Zardari]] responded to this request by stating that these suspects, if they were in Pakistan, would be tried in Pakistani courts if there was evidence of any wrongdoing by them. "At the moment, these are just names of individuals – no proof and no investigation, | On 3 December, Indian [[Foreign Minister]] [[Pranab Mukherjee]] released a statement that the Indian government was asking the Pakistani authorities for the arrest and extradition to India of about 20 Indian fugitives believed to be currently residing in Pakistan, in connection with the November 2008 and previous terrorist attacks. These fugitives included Dawood Ibrahim and Masood Azhar.<ref name="IHT-2008-12-03">{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/02/asia/mumbai.php|title=India insists Pakistan hand over 'fugitives'|work=International Herald Tribune |date=3 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-03}}</ref> Pakistani President [[Asif Ali Zardari]] responded to this request by stating that these suspects, if they were in Pakistan, would be tried in Pakistani courts if there was evidence of any wrongdoing by them. "At the moment, these are just names of individuals – no proof and no investigation", he told CNN. "If we had the proof, we would try them in our courts and we would try them in our land and we would sentence them."<ref name="NPR-2008-12-03">{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97621922 |title=Bombs found in Mumbai train station a week later |date=3 December 2008 |access-date=2008-12-03 |publisher=[[National Public Radio]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205010021/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97621922 |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref> | ||
would sentence them."<ref name="NPR-2008-12-03">{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97621922 |title=Bombs found in Mumbai train station a week later |date=3 December 2008 |access-date=2008-12-03 |publisher=[[National Public Radio]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205010021/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97621922 |archive-date=5 December 2008 }}</ref> | |||
Reports have emerged of a possible connection between Indian residents and [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-resident Indian]]s (NRI) living in [[Saudi Arabia]]. Such Indian nationals who hold radical Muslim beliefs, living overseas, may be behind the financing and organisation of the operations of the Indian Mujahideen. These individuals have allegedly recruited and trained followers at LeT camps in Pakistan and been behind the terrorist bombings of Indian cities by Indian Mujahideen.<ref name="DNA-2008-11-30">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1210634|title=Group of Indians in Saudi may hold reins to terror attacks|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[Daily News & Analysis]]}}</ref> | Reports have emerged of a possible connection between Indian residents and [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-resident Indian]]s (NRI) living in [[Saudi Arabia]]. Such Indian nationals who hold radical Muslim beliefs, living overseas, may be behind the financing and organisation of the operations of the Indian Mujahideen. These individuals have allegedly recruited and trained followers at LeT camps in Pakistan and been behind the terrorist bombings of Indian cities by Indian Mujahideen.<ref name="DNA-2008-11-30">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1210634|title=Group of Indians in Saudi may hold reins to terror attacks|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[Daily News & Analysis]]}}</ref> | ||
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===Independent 'non-state actors' theory=== | ===Independent 'non-state actors' theory=== | ||
As late as 3 December 2008, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and other Pakistani officials declared that they had seen no evidence that the Mumbai attackers were from Pakistan, and that they did not believe the attackers were from Pakistan.<ref name="Denial">[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/world/asia/04india.html Ex-US official cites Pakistani training for India attackers | As late as 3 December 2008, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and other Pakistani officials declared that they had seen no evidence that the Mumbai attackers were from Pakistan, and that they did not believe the attackers were from Pakistan.<ref name="Denial">[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/world/asia/04india.html "Ex-US official cites Pakistani training for India attackers"]. ''The New York Times''. 12 March 2008.</ref> Later, they maintained that the attackers were "[[Violent non-state actor|non-state actor]]s" unconnected with the Pakistani military or ISI.<ref name="JerusalemPost-2008-12-01">{{cite news |url=http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1227702387269 |title=Mumbai attackers 'non-state' actors |date=1 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-05|agency=Associated Press |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | ||
===ISI/LeT Operation: agents provocateurs or rogues?=== | ===ISI/LeT Operation: agents provocateurs or rogues?=== | ||
{{Quote| | {{Quote|There is no doubt the terrorist attacks in Mumbai were perpetrated by individuals who came from Pakistan and whose controllers are in Pakistan.|Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee<ref name="NPR-2008-12-03" />}} | ||
{{Quote| | {{Quote|Given the sophistication and military precision of the attack, it must have had the support of some official agencies in Pakistan.|Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh<ref name="BlameAgenciesNYT">[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/world/asia/07india.html "India accuses Pakistani 'agencies{{'"}}]. ''The New York Times''. 6 January 2009.</ref>}} | ||
Many reports confirmed that the terrorists had been trained, supported and directly sent by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), an organisation which was originally established by the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate. LeT and ISI sources continued categorically to deny any involvement, although there was evidence to the contrary. | Many reports confirmed that the terrorists had been trained, supported and directly sent by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), an organisation which was originally established by the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate. LeT and ISI sources continued categorically to deny any involvement, although there was evidence to the contrary. | ||
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Various analyses and reports posited a combination of local and international origins for the attacks. Either foreign attackers had local aid and assistance, or Indian nationals directly participated alongside foreigners.<ref name="DetroitFreePress-2008-11-28">{{cite news|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20081128/NEWS07/81128087 |title=Attacks raise India-Pakistan tensions; experts disagree on source of terrorists |date=28 November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-30 |publisher=[[McClatchy Newspapers]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202074701/http://www.freep.com/article/20081128/NEWS07/81128087 |archive-date=2 December 2008 }}</ref> | Various analyses and reports posited a combination of local and international origins for the attacks. Either foreign attackers had local aid and assistance, or Indian nationals directly participated alongside foreigners.<ref name="DetroitFreePress-2008-11-28">{{cite news|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20081128/NEWS07/81128087 |title=Attacks raise India-Pakistan tensions; experts disagree on source of terrorists |date=28 November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-30 |publisher=[[McClatchy Newspapers]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202074701/http://www.freep.com/article/20081128/NEWS07/81128087 |archive-date=2 December 2008 }}</ref> | ||
According to reports on 30 November 2008, the captured terrorist Azam Amir Kasab gave the names and addresses of five Mumbai residents who provided assistance to the operation. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) [[Rakesh Maria]] cautioned that it would be premature to comment on suspects and specifics at that time.<ref name="TimesOfIndia-2008-10-30-Mumbai-locals">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-30/india/27911937_1_nariman-house-mumbai-locals-credit-cards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220210152/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-30/india/27911937_1_nariman-house-mumbai-locals-credit-cards|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 February 2012|title=Mumbai locals helped us, terrorist tells cops|date=30 October 2008|access-date=2008-10-30|location=India|first1=S Ahmed|work= | According to reports on 30 November 2008, the captured terrorist Azam Amir Kasab gave the names and addresses of five Mumbai residents who provided assistance to the operation. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) [[Rakesh Maria]] cautioned that it would be premature to comment on suspects and specifics at that time.<ref name="TimesOfIndia-2008-10-30-Mumbai-locals">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-30/india/27911937_1_nariman-house-mumbai-locals-credit-cards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220210152/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-30/india/27911937_1_nariman-house-mumbai-locals-credit-cards|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 February 2012|title=Mumbai locals helped us, terrorist tells cops|date=30 October 2008|access-date=2008-10-30|location=India|first1=S Ahmed|work=The Times of India|last1=Ali}}</ref> On 2 December, Police Commissioner [[Hasan Gafoor]] said "there was no evidence of local support involved in the recent terror attacks in the city."<ref name="TimesOfIndia-2008-12-02-NoEvidence">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-02/mumbai/27944246_1_army-personnel-mumbai-attacks-police-commissioner-hasan-gafoor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031544/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-02/mumbai/27944246_1_army-personnel-mumbai-attacks-police-commissioner-hasan-gafoor|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=No evidence of local support: Mumbai Police Commissioner|date=2 December 2008|access-date=2008-12-02|work=The Times of India|location=India}}</ref> | ||
==Speculation by port of origin== | ==Speculation by port of origin== | ||
Confusion arose at first regarding the means by which the attackers had arrived in India. Two separate ships were mentioned: the MV ''Alpha'' and the fishing trawler ''Kuber''. The [[Indian Navy]] intercepted a boat, the MV ''Alpha'', allegedly used by the terrorists.<ref name="TimesofIndia-2008-11-27-MVAlpha">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27900180_1_coast-guard-ship-mumbai-terror-attacks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031601/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27900180_1_coast-guard-ship-mumbai-terror-attacks|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=Coast Guard locates suspected terrorist ship M V Alpha|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work= | Confusion arose at first regarding the means by which the attackers had arrived in India. Two separate ships were mentioned: the MV ''Alpha'' and the fishing trawler ''Kuber''. The [[Indian Navy]] intercepted a boat, the MV ''Alpha'', allegedly used by the terrorists.<ref name="TimesofIndia-2008-11-27-MVAlpha">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27900180_1_coast-guard-ship-mumbai-terror-attacks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023031601/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-27/india/27900180_1_coast-guard-ship-mumbai-terror-attacks|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=Coast Guard locates suspected terrorist ship M V Alpha|date=27 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=The Times of India|location=India}}</ref> One report said that it had been commandeered while anchored at Porbandar on the [[Gujarat]] coast. Another spurious report said the MV ''Alpha'' had arrived from [[Karachi]].<ref name="LATimes-2008-11-30">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-attack30-2008nov30,0,6241039.story|title=Pakistan pledges to look into any militant role in Mumbai attacks|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | first1=Josh | last1=Meyer | first2=Sebastian | last2=Rotella}}</ref> Reports of the involvement of the ''Alpha'' were incorrect; it turned out to be a [[Vietnam]]ese ship, en route to [[Alang]] for scrapping, with no connection to the attacks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ahmed|first=Issam|title=Pointing the finger at Pakistan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/nov/28/mumbai-terror-attacks-india1|work=The Guardian |date=28 November 2008 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Nandy |first=Chandan |title=Tinker, tailor, fisherman, spy? |url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1&theme=&usrsess=1&id=233391 |publisher=The Statesman |date=29 November 2008 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The captain of the fishing trawler ''Kuber'' was found beheaded aboard his ship and the rest of the crew missing and it was confirmed that this was the vessel that had been used. | ||
== Female accomplice during attacks? == | == Female accomplice during attacks? == | ||
Cama hospital workers and shopkeepers claimed that an unarmed [[burqa]]-clad woman, who wore a [[salwar kameez]] underneath, shopped for food supplies and knocked on doors with Azam Amir as he fired his weapon at the Cama hospital employee quarters at the beginning of the attacks on the evening of 26 November 2008.<ref name="TheEconomicTimes-2008-11-30">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Mystery_woman_had_accompanied_terrorists_at_Cama/articleshow/3775205.cms|title=Mystery woman had accompanied terrorists at Cama|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=The Economic Times |location=India}}</ref> On 2 December, Mumbai Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor was reported to say that "he was not sure about the involvement of any female terrorist, | Cama hospital workers and shopkeepers claimed that an unarmed [[burqa]]-clad woman, who wore a [[salwar kameez]] underneath, shopped for food supplies and knocked on doors with Azam Amir as he fired his weapon at the Cama hospital employee quarters at the beginning of the attacks on the evening of 26 November 2008.<ref name="TheEconomicTimes-2008-11-30">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Mystery_woman_had_accompanied_terrorists_at_Cama/articleshow/3775205.cms|title=Mystery woman had accompanied terrorists at Cama|date=30 November 2008|access-date=2008-11-30|work=The Economic Times |location=India}}</ref> On 2 December, Mumbai Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor was reported to say that "he was not sure about the involvement of any female terrorist",<ref name="TimesOfIndia-2008-12-02-NoEvidence"/> and the status of this unidentified woman remains unknown. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||