"Responsible for...": Israel declares Pak's Lashkar-e-Taiba as 'terror organisation' ahead of 15th anniversary of 26/11 attacks
22 Nov 2023 10:29:54
New Delhi, Nov 22: Israel on Tuesday listed Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Taiba as a 'terror organisation' ahead of the 15th anniversary of the infamous 26/11 attacks in Mumbai that killed more than 160 people, including Israeli nationals.
"To symbolize the marking of the 15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai terror attacks, the state of Israel has listed Lashkar-e-Taiba as a Terror Organization," the Israel Embassy in Delhi said.
"Despite not being requested by the Government of India to do so, the state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required checks and regulations to the result of introducing Lashkar -e- Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organizations," it further said.
The Israel Embassy added, "While Israel only lists terror organizations who are actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India - those globally recognized by UNSC or the US state department; the Israeli ministries of Defense and Foreign affairs, have jointly worked in the last few months towards an expediated and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar-e- Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism.
"Lashkar-e-Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organization, 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 added.
Israel also offered sincere condolences to all victims, survivors and the bereaved families of the Mumbai attacks, including those in Israel.
26/11 attacks in Mumbai
At least ten Pakistani terrorists entered south Mumbai areas through sea route, attacked a number of places, including a Chabad House and a Jewish centre, and indiscriminately killed 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and a number of Israelis on November 26, 2008.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Hotel, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital and the Nariman House Jewish community centre, now renamed Nariman Light House, were some of the places targeted by terrorists.