If anyone wants to get in touch with someone in Mumbai to check on their well-being, there is a concerted effort being made on the Mumbai Help blog.

Update [27/11/2008 1150 hrs] I am tweeting regular updates on the terror attacks here. You can also follow the #mumbai on twitter. It’s one of the best sources of news/information on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, updated multiple times every second.

Update [28/11/2008 0010 hrs] The list of casualties and injured is being maintained here.

NDTV reports that army commandos have just initiated action against the terrorists holed up at the Taj and the Oberoi Trident hotels. The police are providing cover from behind while the army commandos forge ahead. The terrorists are apparently armed with grenades and AK-47s with dual-magazines.

Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte, Anti Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare and feared encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar have been killed in the firing while battling the terrorists at various affected locations across South Mumbai.

R.I.P.

It is becoming pretty clear that the latest terrorist attack on Mumbai is primarily aimed at posh hotels with a view to hold western guests hostage, thus commanding the attention of the Western world. CNN-IBN reported that there were reports of terrorists specifically rounding up American and other western tourists to hold them hostage. That could throw a spanner in the works of the police/commandos planning commando action against the terrorists holed up in those hotels.

NDTV reporter reports that 2 terrorists fleeing in a Skoda were killed by the police at Girgaum Chowpatty.