Six hostages killed at Oberoi Trident: NSG

The National Security Guard (NSG) and the Marine Commandos early on Friday rescued 40 guests from The Trident Hotel (formerly known as Oberoi), 36 hours after they were taken hostage by terrorists believed to be affiliated to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

A heavy exchange of fire between the security personnel and the terrorists was reported soon after the rescue. One terrorist was reportedly killed in the crossfire.

An NSG official said at least six hostages were feared dead.

“Terrorists don’t want to listen to anything. They are not ready to surrender. They are threatening to kill all the hostages,” he said.

At least 100 persons, including a World Bank official, are still suspected to be trapped inside the hotel.

The rescued hostages, many of who are foreign nationals, were swiftly escorted to a private bus, as anxious relatives and family members present outside the hotel heaved a sigh of relief.

Police had to resort to lathi charge to bring the crowd of curious onlookers under control.

The National Security Guard and the Marine Commandos are into the final assault against terrorists at the Oberoi hotel. The assault team has sanitised parts of the Oberoi Trident.

Another NSG official informed CNN-IBN that room intervention operation was underway at the Oberoi, where two more floors are yet to be sanitised.

“A room intervention drill entry is made in every room, following which we check each and every thing without any collateral damage. It takes about four to five minutes,” he explained.

"Final assault is yet to happen," he added.

Meanwhile, Army sources claim that the terrorists were provided commando training by Pakistan Army. They also suggested that the terrorists were provided boats and other logistical support by the Mumbai underworld.