World News - Massacre in Mumbai

The deadly attacks on India's financial capital of Mumbai early Thursday by a group of suspected Muslim militants left more than 100 people dead, according to reports. The massacre came without warning with hostages taken in luxury hotels. Unlike previous outbursts of violence, the terrorists targeted foreigners, especially Americans and Britons.

Indian commandos moved painstakingly, room-by-room, through two massive five-star luxury hotels in a bid to free dozens of people trapped by suspected Muslim militants. Frequent gunshots and explosions, and orange flames billowed from the prestigious Taj Mahal hotel.

The gunmen, armed with assault rifles, hand grenades and explosives, also attacked a popular restaurant, a crowded train station, a Jewish center and at least five other sites.

India is no stranger to deadly terrorist attacks, but this time, the massacre in Mumbai is one of the worst incidents ever to take place in this city. Ever since the mass bloodletting of Partition gave birth to the Indian state in 1947, the Indian government has often struggled to accommodate the demands of numerous religious and political sectarian movements that have waged a variety of low level campaigns against the Delhi government.