Mumbai: Brit could be among terrorists

Friday, 28 November 2008 6:32 PM

The government is refusing to comment on claims British citizens are partly responsible for the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Media reports in India today linked British-born Pakistanis to the attacks, which saw several sites across the city raided by gunmen.

A previously unknown group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

On Friday the Indian government gave its clearest indication yet that it believed Pakistani elements were involved in the raids, which saw luxury hotels and restaurants popular with tourists targeted by terrorists.

"According to preliminary information, some elements in Pakistan are responsible for Mumbai terror attacks," said external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee.

"Proof cannot be disclosed at this time."

India's NDTV said some of the gunmen were British citizens of Pakistani origin but the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was only able to say it was aware of the reports.

A source told inthenews.co.uk the claims were not being looked into as there is currently no information to corroborate the reports.

Speaking to Sky News, Gordon Brown said he "would not want to be drawn into early conclusions" about the terrorists' roots.

"Obviously when you have terrorists operating in one country, they may be getting support from another country or coming from another country, and it is very important that we strengthen the cooperation between India and Britain in dealing with these instances of terrorist attacks," the prime minister added.

The army operation in Mumbai is close to completion, with Indian army commandos raiding the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, as well as a Jewish centre to rescue remaining hostages. Violence continues in the Taj Mahal hotel, but the Oberoi is understood to have been cleared.

Tags:
• asia
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• crime
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• domestic policy
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• foreign policy
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• terrorism