26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack: US offers $5 mn reward for info on perpetrators

As India marks the 10^th anniversary of the barbaric 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday asked Pakistan to uphold the UNSC obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists and their outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates, responsible for the atrocious act. Speaking on the behalf of the US government, Pompeo said that it was an insult of the families of the victims that even after ten years, those who planned the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack could not be convicted.

"It is an affront to the families of the victims that, after ten years, those who planned the Mumbai attack have still not been convicted for their involvement. We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates," the US Secretary of State said in a statement on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack.

Also Read | 26/11 Anniversary: Kasab was smiling as he fired bullets, recalls youngest witness to identify attacker

Pompeo expressed solidarity with the Indians and said that people of America stand with the families and friends of the victims of the 26/11 terrorist attack that shocked the entire world. Among the dead, six were American nationals.

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack. We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world," he said.

As many as 165 people were killed and over 300 sustained serious injuries after 10 members of the Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, stormed the coastal city of Mumbai in November 2008. The terrorists carried out a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks at several locations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Palace & Tower, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, the Nariman House Jewish community centre, the Metro Cinema and in a lane behind the Times of India building and St. Xavier's College.

Also Read | Watch Video: PM meets 'Baby Moshe'; 26/11 survivor says 'Dear Mr Modi, I love you', wish to visit Mumbai

The attacks which began on November 26 had lasted till November 29. While nine of the attackers were gunned down, a 10^th terrorist - Ajmal Kasab – was captured alive. He was executed for on November 12, 201,2.