By IANS,
Mumbai : The Indian Navy, two of whose marine commandos were injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists at the Taj Palace and Tower here, said Thursday it was up against a group of “highly motivated” militants.
“We are up against highly motivated forces. My commandos have told me that we are up against professional terrorists who have done their homework well and know how to cause maximum damage,” Vice Admiral J.S Bedi, the flag officer commanding-in-chief of the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command.
The marine commandos were deployed at midnight following a request from Maharashtra Chief Secretary Johny Joseph.
“Two teams of marine commandos were deployed in at the Taj hotel. They started checking rooms and floors in what was basically a flushing out operation. Somewhere on the second floor, there was an exchange of fire with the terrorists in which two commandos were injured,” Bedi added.
“One of them was seriously injured but is out of danger now. The other suffered splinter injuries,” he said.
“Explosives, grenades, shells, AK-47s, knives, dry fruits and ATM cards were also recovered by the marine commandos from the Taj hotel. The teams then withdrew from the hotel and National Security Guards (NSG) took over,” the officer added.
“Thereafter, the commandos undertook surveillance on the approaches to Mumbai harbour. We have also sought aircraft from coast guard also for patrolling the coastline,” Bedi said.