Officials interviewed the only captured gunman and are reporting that he and the rest of the terrorists were associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. The captured man stated that the goal of the group was to hit more targets and kill at least 5,000 people. He also reportedly told officials that two more gunmen were involved; however, they were able to escape the area before being apprehended. There are also reports citing that some officials, including management at the Taj Mahal hotel, received advanced warning several days prior to the attack. Upscale hotels across India have implemented heightened security measures in response to the attacks.

Mumbai International Airport (VABB/BOM) remains operational. ASI recommends that non-essential travel to Mumbai remain suspended for another 24 hours to allow travel through the city to return to relative normalcy. All travel to India should be closely monitored in view of the heightened security concerns, particularly in view of increased political tensions with Pakistan. While the Indian government has so far not implicated the Pakistani government in any direct involvement in the attacks, Lashkar-e-Taiba has long-standing ties to elements of Pakistan’s powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. The situation is further complicated by the domestic political situation in India. Upcoming state elections have put pressure on the ruling Indian National Congress Party to respond to the incident. The Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), the largest opposition party, has staunchly criticized the Congress Party for ineptly handling the crisis. India responded to a terrorist attack on Parliament in December 2001 with a massive mobilization of troops along the border with Pakistan. While there are currently no indications that India will take such measures, the situation is likely to result in a tense regional crisis.

Meanwhile, according to reports on 1 December 2008, authorities have increased security in New Delhi after receiving an e-mail warning that auto rickshaws would be used to detonate explosives in crowded areas. The e-mail — which was signed by the Deccan Mujahideen, a previously unknown group that claimed responsibility for the Mumbai attacks — warned of an attack at Indira Gandhi International Airport (VIDP/DEL) and three railway stations. Police officers are conducting random security checks of vehicles on roads near the airport. Indian Railways has heightened security at the 17 Metro stations in New Delhi.