On the night of 26 November 2008, news channels began flashing reports of shots being fired at Mumbai's upscale Taj Palace hotel in Colaba. As horrified Indians huddled around screens to watch visuals of police teams reaching the hotel, they saw reports of shootings at the bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) station and Oberoi-Trident hotel in Nariman point.
A few hours later, it had become clear that these attacks weren't isolated—they were all connected and, as we learnt later, well-planned. The terrorists targeted The Taj Hotel, CST, Oberoi Trident, Leopold Cafe, Nariman House and Cama Hospital. Explosions also took place at the Mazagon dock and a taxi in Vile Parle.
While the situation at most of the targets was neutralised soon, security forces fought for three straight days to clear out the Taj Palace Hotel, where guests and staff were either held hostage or trapped by gunfire.
In all, around 166 people died in the attack.
A photo of Ajmal Kasab, the lone gunman who was caught alive, at CST became one of the most unforgettable images of the attack.
Here are 25 photos that show how terrifying those days were:
What began as news of one shooting soon turned into a three-day nightmare
Arko Datta / Reuters
Gunmen held several people hostage during a three-day siege at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
As security forces arrived, people tried to escape
AFP via Getty Images
Guests use curtains to escape from the Taj Mahal Palace hotel during the siege.
The events played out live on 24/7 news channels
India Today Group via Getty Images
Journalists covering the attacks lie on the ground outside the Taj hotel.
The siege left the iconic Taj hotel burning
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE via Getty Images
Smoke billows out of The Taj Mahal Hotel during the rescue operations.
Just a glimpse of the aftermath
Getty Editorial
A room inside the Taj Mahal Palace after the armed siege. The hotel suffered severe damages and many guests and employees lost their lives.
Meanwhile, in Nariman Point
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Indian army soldiers climb onto their vehicle outside the Trident-Oberoi Hotel, where terrorists were holed up.
Another fight ensued
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
A fire broke out after an explosion inside the Trident-Oberoi Hotel.
A peek at the mayhem
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
The siege led to massive damage inside the Trident-Oberoi hotel as well.
People escaped in small groups
SAJJAD HUSSAIN via Getty Images
Two foreigners who were held hostage by gunmen for nearly 24 hours after their release from the Trident-Oberoi hotel.
Security forces were everywhere
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
An Anti-Terror Squad officer runs for shelter, while his companions lie on the ground.
Scenes of destruction
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
A view of the damage inside the Trident-Oberoi Hotel
Some were trapped
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A guest at the Trident-Oberoi hotel looks out from a broken window amidst the siege.
Others were relieved to go home
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An unidentified guest gestures while speaking on his phone as he sits inside a bus after being rescued from the Trident-Oberoi.
Police in action at Nariman House
PRAKASH SINGH via Getty Images
Security forces escort hostages from Nariman House in Mumbai.
Standing guard
Uriel Sinai via Getty Images
Soldiers outside Nariman House at Colaba Market during the siege.
Scenes of relief
PRAKASH SINGH via Getty Images
Security force personnel look on as a released male hostage speaks on a phone and two released female hostages comfort one another.
Security forces used all means to take on the attackers
PEDRO UGARTE via Getty Images
A Indian National Security Guard commando abseiling from a helicopter onto the rooftop of Nariman House.
Many lives were lost
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The interiors of Nariman House, Mumbai headquarters of the ultra-Orthodox Chabad Lubavitch movement, after the commando operation.
Caught on camera
Government of India CCTV footage.
Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist who was caught alive, at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Scenes from the train station
India Today Group via Getty Images
Luggage and belongings of commuters littered across the CST as they fled to save their lives.
When maximum city was forced to stop
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A cart amidst shattered glass on an empty platform at CST.
Forces patrolled the station for days
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Commandos stand guard at a deserted CST..
Three days later, it was finally over
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
National Security Guard commandos inside a bus after the end of the gunbattle.
The people who saves the day
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
One of the commandoes with a rose given to him by citizens after the siege ended.
Mumbaikars say thanks, and bid farewell
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Security forces from across the country had been brought to Mumbai during the siege. People showed their gratitude by cheering them on as they left.
