26/11 Attack: This is how Kasab and others were trained
A new book, written by historian Saroj Kumar Rath, Fragile Frontiers: The Secret History of Mumbai Terror Attacks dives deep into the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and highlights the training of Ajmal Kasab, the lone LeT operative who was caught alive, and the route the terrorists took. The attack, which killed nearly 166 including many police/army officers, completed its 10 years on Monday. Here's more.
Book claims training terrorists was 'joint responsibility' of LeT, ISI
The book reveals what Kasab told officers during interrogation. The terrorist didn't know why he was being trained as a mariner. The essay titled Ajmal Kasab: The LeT side of the story claimed the 2 years training of operatives was a "joint responsibility of the LeT and the ISI". "Each terrorist had to undergo a series of training and indoctrination sessions," the book read.
From combat course to fishing, terrorists were taught all
The 10 recruits, who carried out the deadly attacks, underwent four following stages of training: Daura-e-Sufa (20 Days' Preliminary Training), Daura-e-Ama (21 Days' Combat Course), Daura-e-Khaas (75 Days' Advanced Combat Course), Daura-e-Ribat (30 Days' Training on Intelligence Agencies). They were also taught how to measure the depth of the sea, how to use GPS for sea, and how to use nets like fishermen.
They were taught how to survive 60 hours without food
"Kasab received (Daura-e-Khaas) training during May-July 2008. Skills like how to open and close Kalashnikovs, firing of a gun... and how to survive 60 hours without food and still climb a mountain with a heavy load were taught," the book read.
They tried entering India in September 2008 too, but failed
The book reveals LeT operatives tried entering Mumbai before 26/11 too, but failed. In September 2008, their boat hit a rock, the attackers almost drowned and had to be rescued by their handlers. "The other failed attempt was on 7 November 2008, when an alarmed captain of an Indian boat refused to surrender to the LeT and fled," the book read.
Why do young boys like Kasab become terrorists, asks book
Published by Routledge India and priced at Rs. 995, the book also focuses on terrorism in South Asia. It also asks questions like, "Why do young boys like Kasab become terrorists in Pakistan? Or what motivates them to follow a violent lifestyle?" On the tenth anniversary of the terror attacks, homage for the martyred have been flowing since morning.
