Mumbai Attacks - City Fears Five Terrorists Are 'Missing'

[tekisui]

At least five terrorist gunmen have evaded capture in Mumbai and could make a secondary strike on India's financial capital, it was feared this morning.

Indian security forces are officially claiming that just ten militants – nine of whom were killed and one caught alive – were behind a co-ordinated terror attack that claimed nearly 200 lives.

However, the hijacked Indian fishing boat used by the gunmen to approach Mumbai, the crew of which were also slaughtered, had equipment for 15 men on board when it was discovered adrift off the city shore – suggesting that several gunmen could still be at large.

"Fifteen jackets were found, 15 toothbrushes even," one police source said. "That more men were involved is possible."

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The Indian government has raised the country's security to a "war level", claiming proof of a Pakistani link to the Mumbai strikes.

In response,Pakistan threatened to end military operations against Islamist militants - including the Taleban and al-Qaeda - on its border with Afghan border if it is forced into an "unwanted conflict" with Delhi.

Mumbai residents suspect that perhaps two dozen gunmen had stormed the city – an impression supported by early police and media reports on Wednesday night when a wave of attacks at at least eight locations rocked Mumbai. Angry at the Government's response to the crisis, they are reluctant to accept the assurances that all the terrorists are all accounted for.

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It has also emerged that Rata Tata, the head of the Indian conglomerate that owns the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, had been warned of a possible attack on the hotel. He claimed, however, that no security arrangements could have prevented the highly-trained and organised militants.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5265938.ece