Updates At The End

The only explanation for Al Qaeda’s recent action is desperation. And now we see what must be Al Qaeda attacking the largest democracy on the planet in a series bombings in Bombay, India reminiscent of the commuter bombings in London and Madrid:

Seven explosions rocked Bombay’s commuter rail network during Tuesday evening rush hour, ripping apart train compartments, a railway spokesman said. At least 20 people were killed, police said.

There was chaos throughout Bombay’s crowded rail network following the explosions, and authorities struggled to determine how many people had been killed and injured.

The blasts appeared to have come in quick succession _ a common tactic employed by Kashmiri militants that have repeatedly targeted India’s cities.

First off, this synchronized bombing at rush hour is more in line with Al Qaeda. I also doubt the Kashmiri militants want to be lumped in with Al Qaeda and the Chechen Terrorists, because that kind of national and US attention can quickly get your movement annihilated. I will go out on a limb here and suggest this is Al Qaeda.

If I am right, then there are more things to consider. Did the leaks of the SWIFT program and its ability to monitor financial transactions world wide cause this attack to be rushed into execution? I am not saying one way or the other, but if the NY Times did alert terrorists in mid plot, their martyrdom desires would push them to accelerate plans – not delay them. I will be interested in seeing anything related to the intelligence on this one.

In the meantime, Al Qaeda has now added 1 billion Indians to there enemies list (one way or the other I doubt it matters who claims responsibility – the threat is there). Seems the entire world is against them – except the left wing liberals.

Update: News from the UAE now says at least 40 killed. Expect this death toll to climb to levels consistent with Madrid bombings.

Update:These train bombings (apparently targetting the first class carriages) were hours after grenade attacks by Islamists in other areas fo the country – pointing more to an Isamists effort (though it is difficult to separate the Kashmirists fromt Islamists).

Update:New death toll reaches 100.

Update: Indian authorities are executing raids to try and round up suspects, and may have one in custody

Police were also reportedly carrying out raids across the country following the explosions, presumably in search of suspects. One television report said a suspect was in custody.

A senior Bombay police official, P.S. Pasricha, said the explosions were part of a well-coordinated attack. The country’s home minister told Indian television that authorities had information that an attack was coming but did not know the time or place.

The news that there was some warning but insufficient details to stop the attack is going to reflect right back onto the NY Times and news organizations here who have selfishly crippled our anti-terrorism efforts. Because timing can be discerned from money transfers (as was the case with 9-11) as well as communications (which tend to go dark right before an attack). So we all need to assess the Bombay situation in light of Bill Keller’s and the NY Times unilateral decision that we here in the US were out of danger since 9-11 was 5 years ago and we have had no attacks, and therefore they felt rightous in publishing our defenses.

Update:A picture of the damage done to one train. Death toll now at 135.

Update:Injury total over 400 while the government scrambles to take action and help the injured.

Update:More on the grenade attacks that preceded the Bombay bombings (and were possibly a diversionary tactic) which killed 7 people, mostly tourists. Authorities apparently have a good idea who was responsible for this earlier attack.

Update:A Reuters chronology of major attacks in India since 2001.

Update: More pictures of the devastation at an Indian news portal site.

Update:New reporting claims 8 blasts, not seven:

he first blast was reported near Khar Railway station in Mumbai, which left several people injured.

The incident took place at 6:09 pm (IST) in a local train from Churchgate to Borivali between Khar and Mahim stations on the Western Line.

The second blast was reported at Bandra station, while the third blast took place at Matunga.

Soon after, the fourth explosion took place at Jogeshwari, while two blasts were reported in Borivali.

The seventh blast was reported from Bhayandar station near Mira Road, while the eighth blast took place at Santacruz Station.

This number of coordinated blasts has to be the result of training or help from Al Qaeda veterans. Eight blasts across 5 trains, leaving one to wonder if some of the bombs did not detonate.

Update:Sorry for the confusion on last update, but the latest news has it back to seven blasts, 146 killed and over 450 injured.

Update: Death toll