New Delhi [India], November 26 (ANI): The US Embassy in India paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, reaffirming the United States’ determination to fight terrorism alongside the Government of India. The Embassy also highlighted the extradition of 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana to India as a critical step toward justice.
In its statement, the Embassy noted that the United States has long supported India’s efforts to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable.
In a post on X, the US Embassy said, “Today marks the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. We honor the memory of the victims lost and stand in solidarity with the survivors and families. The United States has long supported India’s efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice. In a major step forward, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India this year for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks resulting in the tragic loss of 166 lives, including six Americans. Rana’s extradition is a critical step toward seeking justice for the victims who were killed in the heinous attacks and their families. As we remember the victims of 26/11, we reaffirm our determination to continue to fight against acts of terror together with the Government of India to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”
Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin, was recently extradited to India in connection with his alleged involvement in the 2008 attacks. The devastating assault, orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed over 170 lives and injured hundreds.
Earlier today, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 attacks, emphasizing Israel’s strong support for India. Azar said the shared experiences of combating terrorism form the foundation of the deep and enduring partnership between the two nations.
In a video message shared on X, he said, “Today, as India marks the anniversary of the horrific 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, I, the people of Israel, stand with you, the people of India, just as we did on that dark day and every year since. 26/11 was not only an attack on Mumbai, it was an attack on humanity. It targeted people of every community, every nationality, every faith—Indians and Israelis alike. Unfortunately, Israel knows this pain.”
French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou also paid tribute to the victims, reaffirming France’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and its commitment to stand with India in combating the scourge.
This year marks 17 years since terrorists from the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba unleashed mayhem across Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Commonly known as 26/11, the coordinated assaults by 10 terrorists sent shockwaves throughout India and the world.
The attackers entered Mumbai via the sea route on the night of November 26, 2008, and over four days killed 166 people and injured 300 across several of the city’s busiest locations. The targets—selected for maximum impact—included the Taj and Oberoi Hotels, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Jewish center at Nariman House, Cama Hospital, Metro Cinema, and Leopold Cafe, all frequented by foreign nationals and large segments of Mumbai’s workforce.
The scars of the tragedy remain etched in the city. Bullet marks at Leopold Cafe and Nariman House, the bust of Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble—who sacrificed his life while capturing the lone surviving Pakistani terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab—and the streets of South Mumbai continue to bear witness to the horrific events.
Nine Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed, while Kasab was captured alive. In May 2010, he was sentenced to death and was hanged two years later in a maximum-security prison in Pune. (ANI)
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