A number of hostages have been freed from one of Mumbai’s top hotels – one of several sites in the city targeted by armed men – eyewitnesses said.
Mumbai Attack
But the situation at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel remains uncertain, with an unknown number of people thought to still be in the hotel.
Police chief AN Roy said gunmen were still believed to be holding hostages at the Oberoi Trident hotel.
The series of attacks began late Wednesday and have killed 101 people.
Some 287 people were injured after the attackers, using grenades and automatic weapons, targeted at least seven sites in the main tourist and business district.
Around 40 people were believed to be held hostage at the two hotels, and hundreds trapped in their rooms, as troops began surrounding the buildings soon after they were taken over by the armed men.
Ambulances arrive
Maharashtra state police chief AN Roy told local television that the siege at the Taj Mahal – one of Mumbai’s most recognisable hotels – had ended.
“People who were held up there, they have all been rescued. But there are guests in the rooms, we don’t know how many.”
Witnesses said civilians could be seen running from the hotel, some with suitcases. Ambulances were also reported to be arriving.
But the BBC’s Mark Dummett outside the Taj Mahal said explosions had been heard from within the hotel, suggesting the siege is not yet over.
Earlier in the day, Indian commandos had been seen entering the hotels but there was little detail on the operation.
Mr Roy said some people were still apparently being held hostage at the Oberoi. “That is why the operation is being conducted more sensitively to ensure there are no casualties of innocent people,” he said.
The city’s main commuter train station, a hospital, and a restaurant popular with tourists were among at least seven locations caught up in the violence on Wednesday.
A Jewish centre was also among those targeted. Police say an Israeli rabbi is among the hostages being held at the offices of the group, Chabad Lubavitch.
Police say 14 police officers, 81 Indian nationals and six foreigners have been killed. A Japanese businessman was confirmed to be among the dead.
Four suspected terrorists have also been killed and nine arrested, they add.
Eyewitness reports suggested the attackers were singling out British and American passport holders staying at the hotels.
If the reports are true, our security correspondent Frank Gardner says it implies an Islamist motive – attacks inspired or co-ordinated by al-Qaeda.
A claim of responsibility has been made by a previously unknown group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen. Our correspondent says it could be a hoax or assumed name for another group.
In other developments:
• Fire crews evacuated people from the upper floors of the Taj Mahal Palace, where a grenade attack caused a blaze
• The British High Commissioner in India, Sir Richard Stagg, says seven UK citizens are known to be among the injured and believes that figure could rise
• The head of Mumbai’s anti-terrorism unit and two other senior officers are among those killed, officials say
• There are unconfirmed reports that five gunmen have taken hostages in an office block in the financial district of Mumbai
• The White House held a meeting of top intelligence and counter-terrorism officials, and pledges to help the Indian government
• India’s Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange markets are closed, as the authorities urge local people to stay at home
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