Terrorists highly-trained, motivated: Navy officer

Mumbai: Terrorists who have caused mayhem in Mumbai are not run-of-the-mill terrorists as believed earlier, but are "highly-trained and highly-motivated professionals".

This was the observation of the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) who had the first confrontation with the terrorists at the city's landmark Taj Hotel.

"The terrorists are highly trained, motivated with wherewithal to mount a prolonged campaign," Vice-Admiral JS Bedi, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command said in Mumbai.

He said these observations were conveyed to him by his MARCOS.

In the operations, MARCOS seized stun grenades, hand grenades and other sophisticated ammunition and ATM cards, plus US dollars from the terrorists.

The terrorists were also found to be carrying huge loads of almonds, which can be used as food in long siege.