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Terrorists were young men in jeans: eyewitness

A British national, who escaped from the clutches of terrorists who took guests hostage at the Taj hotel in Mumbai on Thursday said the militants were young men of not more than 20-25 years of age.

Updated on: Nov 27, 2008, 12:19:10 IST
IANS | By , Mumbai
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A British national, who escaped from the clutches of terrorists who took guests hostage at the Taj hotel in Mumbai on Thursday said the militants were young men of not more than 20-25 years of age.

HT Image
HT Image

"They (terrorists) were not more than 20-25 years of age. They were dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts but were very aggressive in their demeanour. They kept screaming that they wanted anyone with a British or an American passport," the witness told mediapersons.

"There were 15 of us and I was really scared since I am a British national. Two of the terrorists, while screaming constantly, took us up the stairs - to the 18th floor. Luckily for us, the room was full of smoke and two of us escaped from the stairs.

"Another three escaped after us but I have no idea about the others. I think about five to seven people are still on the roof," he said.

The terrorists, according to the witness, were carrying a machine gun and one rifle.

The most audacious terror attack in Mumbai began on Wednesday night, when militants attacked high profile landmarks, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Metro Theatre and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station.

At least 101 people, including a foreign tourist and four top police officers, were killed and over 250 injured.

A hostage crisis continued on Thursday with tourists and other guests being held by terrorists in the two five-star hotels.

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