One of the luxury hotels taken over by gunmen in Mumbai is back under the control of the authorities after commandos raided the property.
JK Dutt, India’s security chief, said commandos had killed two militants at the Oberoi-Trident hotel. Police found 24 bodies there, shortly after 93 guests and staff were freed. However, gun battles – and a reported loud explosion - continue at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
In a statement issued at 2.40pm India time (9.10am UK time), the Oberoi-Trident said: “The police and Government authorities have allowed us access to the hotel. We were granted permission to begin evacuating guests from the hotel at 2:15 pm.
“Staff of the hotel accompanied by personnel from the security forces are now proceeding from room to room and escorting guests to the lobby level of the hotel. From there the guests will be led to a nearby facility where first aid and counselling will be offered.
“After details of each guest are confirmed, our staff will take them to other hotels in the city where arrangements have been made for their stay. This process is likely to take several hours as we are going room to room, one floor at a time.”
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See the BBC’s latest >>
By Daniel Thomas
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