In a significant move to mark the anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack later this month, Israel today officially designated Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) a terrorist organisation.
Calling it a "deadly and reprehensible" outfit, Israel clarified that it decided to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba a terror organisation, although there was no such request from India.
"Despite not being requested by the Indian government to do so, the state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required checks to introduce Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organisations," Israeli embassy said in a statement.
"Lashkar -e- Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organisation, responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous actions on November 26, 2008 still reverberate in force, through all peace seeking nations and societies," the statement said.
The attacks, which drew widespread global condemnation, began on November 26 and lasted until November 29, 2008. A total of 166 people, including several foreign nationals, died and more than 300 were injured.
Armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades, the terrorists targeted civilians at various sites in Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station, the popular Leopold Cafe, two hospitals, and a theatre. Thousands were taken hostage at the Nariman House and the Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
Described by many Israelis as a "shared pain", the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks continue to stir outrage in Israel. Six Jews were among the 166 victims of the terror attack. All of them were killed at the Nariman House, popularly also known as the Chabad House.
