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MUMBAI - Gunmen chose some of Mumbai's best-known landmarks and tourist destinations as the focus of their coordinated attacks against multiple targets in the city on Wednesday.
Taj Mahal Hotel -- A handful of gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenades stormed the historic hotel near the Gateway of India monument late Wednesday evening.
They took scores of hostages with a specific focus on British and American guests.
Fire broke out and explosions were heard on the upper floors after a number of hostages were brought out.
Military commandos stormed the hotel in the early hours of Thursday, reportedly killing two gunmen and freeing some guests.
Sporadic fire was exchanged and explosions were heard throughout much of the day, but by mid-afternoon police said they were no longer dealing with a hostage situation and were sweeping the building.
Oberoi/Trident Hotel -- Attacked by a separate group of gunmen at the same time as the assault on the Taj Mahal.
Commandos entered the hotel on several occasions during the night, resulting in exchanges of gunfire.
Oberoi Group vice-chairman S.S. Mukherji told local media about 200 people were still trapped inside as the standoff continued into Thursday afternoon.
Nariman House -- A building comprising largely offices, including a Jewish Centre.
Several reports quoted witnesses as saying at least one Jewish family was being held hostage.
The building was surrounded by Rapid Action Force personnel and snipers.
Indian Jewish Federation chairman Jonathan Solomon said Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg was still being held as of Thursday afternoon but he had heard the rabbi's wife and daughter had been released.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station -- UNESCO World Heritage site previously known as Victoria Terminus.
Several men armed with AK-47 rifles stormed into the passenger hall of the station, opening fire and throwing grenades, killing at least 10 people.
Cafe Leopold -- One of Mumbai's best-known restaurants, frequented by tourists, particularly after it featured prominently in the 2003 cult novel "Shantaram" by Australian writer Gregory David Roberts.
Cama Hospital -- A charitable hospital for women and children. Reports of firing late Wednesday evening. - AFP/vm
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