Group claims Mumbai attacks
2008-11-27 00:19
Mumbai - A group calling itself the "Deccan Mujahedeen" claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attacks in India's commercial hub Mumbai that killed scores of people, the Press Trust of India said.
Police officials put the death toll at 80 and said 250 people were injured in the attacks.
Meanwhile, the US State Department on Wednesday condemned the "horrific" attacks and said it was monitoring the situation closely.
"We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Mumbai, India," deputy spokesperson Robert Wood said in a statement.
"Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai," he added, saying the department was not aware of any American casualties.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also condemned the attacks as "outrageous".
"These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response," he said in a statement.
"I have sent a message to Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help.
"Urgent action is under way to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region."
Foreign Secretary David Miliband earlier said the series of shootings and blasts across Mumbai late Wednesday "remind us, yet again, of the threat we face from violent extremists".
"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists," he added.
The Press Trust of India said that as many as 200 people had been injured in the attacks, which saw heavily armed men with automatic weapons and grenades target luxury hotels in the south of the city and the main railway station.