Taj siege ends; terrorists killed - I-N-D-I-A

Taj siege ends; terrorist killed: Reports | Around 200 NSG personnel engaged in eliminating terrorists in old Taj hotel building | ISI representative, not chief to visit India for talks on Mumbai attacks | At least 13 foreigners killed, 22 injured in attacks: MHA

MUMBAI: All terrorists holed-up at Taj hotel have reportedly been killed by NSG commandos. Black plumes of smoke are still billowing out of the hotel.

Official reports are awaited.

Black plumes of smoke still billowing out of Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel as Indian security forces exchanged heavy fire with militants holed up inside.
A witness said a fire had broken out within the hotel.

News channels also showed flames at a ground floor area.

Earlier on Saturday morning, fresh explosions were heard and intense gunfire continued at the besieged Taj hotel as NSG commandos engaged in what is believed to be their final assault to flush out the militants.
Media personnel stationed outside Taj hotel asked to step back as skirmish between terrorists and security forces reaches last stage.

After the successful operations at Oberoi-Trident hotel and Nariman House, the Taj hotel remains the only concern for the NSG, which is conducting one of its biggest counter-terror offensives.
Five large explosions were heard from inside Taj Mahal hotel's heritage building early on Saturday followed by intense gunfire between NSG commandos and the terrorists holed-up in the complex.

The first explosion was heard at around 03:40am (local time) from inside the old building of the hotel and within 30 minutes four more large explosions were heard from the same area.

"They (terrorists) are changing their positions. We have to also, on the spot, try and change our tactics, strategies," Director General of NSG J K Dutt said when asked about the Taj siege where militants are still holed up.

"From the intensity of the firing and different area they have occupied, I would say there would be two or three of them," he said.

The NSG chief said the final picture will emerge only after the final operation is over and the checking of the room is complete.

"Our information is that they have been hit," he said and refused to divulge further details.
Some picutres from the Taj Operation

NSG commandos in action at Nariman House, Colaba where Isareli national were kept as hostage by terrorists.

Bystanders celebrate following the apparent conclusion of a military operation at the Nariman House.

SG commandos react to one the blast at Nariman House.

A soldier aims at Mumbai's Taj hotel where terrorists are holed up

Commandos outside the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai

Marine commandos conducting an operation at Taj hotel

People light candles to pay tribute to the victims of Mumbai terror attack, in Bhopal.