A shift in terror tactics
India - and Mumbai - are no stranger to terrorism but the attacks on
multiple targets in the city mark a significant step change.*
Previous attacks involved the leaving of explosives in public places
like markets or on trains. These could be devastating in terms of the
loss of life, with nearly 200 killed in 2006.
But the latest attacks are different in terms of both method and
scale, with teams of well-armed men involved in synchronised attacks -
the gunmen were also clearly prepared to die in their attacks.
Another major difference is the targeting of restaurants and hotels
used by westerners and the apparent singling out of those with British
and American passports.
This points to either a major shift in strategy by an existing group
or the influence or direction of outside parties, perhaps even al-Qaeda,
whose style of attacks this mimics.
A group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen has claimed
responsibility for the attacks but little is known of it.
The men were of South Asian appearance and reportedly spoke Hindi,
indicating they originated in India.
Attacks over recent years have seen a variety of different groups
named, particularly the Indian Mujahideen who had apparently threatened
to attack Mumbai in September, claiming that Muslims had been harassed.
The authorities have often pointed the finger at the Students'
Islamic Movement of India, believing that other groups like the Indian
Mujahideen are a front for this banned organisation.
Some attacks have also been blamed on Lashkar-e-Toiba.
If India does point the finger at Pakistan, then major diplomatic
problems could ensue, but that may be less likely to happen as quickly
as occurred in the past when relations were more fraught.
An attack by militants on the Indian parliament in December 2001
nearly led to war between the two countries. The chaotic picture has
been further confused recently by claims that Hindu nationalist groups
had also been behind some recent bomb attacks.
The growing tide of attacks, particularly this year, raises major
problems for the Indian authorities.
BBC News |
