Companies doing business in India and the subcontinent depend on The Steele Foundation to maintain the same
continuity, competency, responsiveness and high standards of service for risk and crisis management that we’re known
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"Just as our clients, we have had our people engaged by this tragedy from the moment the terrorists hit. We have mobilized all of our resources throughout Mumbai and surrounding cities to support client locations.” said Kenn Kurtz, CEO of The Steele Foundation. “Our first priority is to assist those who are implementing change to ensure business continuity while at the same time working with our clients to reinforce tpeace of mind amongst their employees throughout India.”
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Mumbai Terrorist Attacks
BACKGROUND:
A siege-like atmosphere hangs over the city of Mumbai, India since at least two dozen unidentified terrorists armed with automatic weapons, grenades, and explosives, disembarked from rubber boats and spread out through the port city on Wednesday, November 26. Indian sources currently report over 300 wounded and 160 dead, including 15 foreigners, among them at least two Americans. While stand-offs at major targets appear to have ended, a single gunman is reportedly holed up at the Taj Mahal hotel. Local security services proceeding slowly to clear targets slowly out of concern that terrorists may have left explosive booby-traps behind.
Footage from security cameras and comments from Indian commandos indicate that the terrorists who were well-trained and well-organized, spread out through the city with the apparent goal of creating chaos and confusion. In a likely effort to lull onlookers and people in hiding into a false sense of security, the terrorist intermittently fired their automatic weapons and set off grenades and explosives.
TARGETS:
Terrorist targets included densely populated areas, including areas where the terrorist could be assured of finding foreigners. Among their targets;
- Hotels, restaurants, cinemas, including the landmark five-star Taj Mahal Hotel, the Oberoi Hotel, the Trident Hotel, and the popular Cafe Leopold in Colaba.
- Transportation centers, including the Mumbai CST Railway Center and the Vile Parie Expressway. There is some reporting suggesting that the airport was also among the terrorist's intended targets.
- Hospitals, Cama Hospital.
- A Jewish Community Center and residential hall, Nariman House
- Places where people were likely to gather. Terrorists in the hotels and a group of terrorist on the street, who hijacked a police van, fired at first responders, TV crews, crowds of onlookers, and fleeing guests.
The variety of terrorist targets, including Westerners, Western-influenced areas of the city, Jews, and locals, are in line with Al Quaeda ideology. However, early reporting indicates that the terrorists spoke Punjabi, a language spoken in both Pakistan and the hotly contested region of Kashmir, raising questions about whether the terrorists are Karachi-backed, or from a pro-Kashmiri based group. Karachi has denied any involvement in the attacks, and has not only condemned them, but also agreed to send the head of Pakistan's intelligence service to help India's investigations into the attacks.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Establish contact with employees or family members and verify their location(s);
- Initiate communications procedures to include daily or more frequent reporting. Whenever possible, utilize normal telephone service as cellular services tend to become overburdened during times of crisis. Email systems continue to operate.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, do not utilize public transportation. Vary your schedule and activities. .
- Expect delays in traveling to the airport as authorities have established checkpoints on all roads leading to the airport. Confirm travel plans as some flights have been cancelled or have been delayed. Increased security measures will be in place for arriving and departing passengers.
- Avoid public locations and other locations where westerners are known to visit.
- Monitor the media for current updates.
- Should additional attacks occur, do not go outside. Remain in your location and get away from doors and windows. Turn off lights and secure all doors.
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