Foreigners head back to their countries following militant attacks in Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov.28 : Following the coordinated attacks by heavily armed militants in luxury hotels and several other places across Mumbai, foreign visitors are hurrying back to their countries.

Most of the foreign tourists, who condemned the attacks, looked worried and were keenly watching the situation as it unfolded.

"Obviously it's really worrying situation. In a way we are just going to wait and see what happens. You know we are not actually venturing outside. The situation is obviously worrying...Indian soils where this is unfolding. We just have to wait and see and watch the new things that happens," said British tourist Christine.

"It obviously is a worrying situation. We have just landed from Goa and it is obviously a tragedy. It's really a grim situation. Information is coming through in the moment and we are waiting to find out whether we can fly back to London, so just waiting at the moment," said Peter, another British tourist.

Local TV reported that unknown assailants had taken hostages, including Western tourists.

Indian Television channels reported that a previously unknown group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen had claimed responsibility for the attacks in e-mails to several media outlets.

India has suffered a wave of bomb attacks in recent years.

Most have been blamed on Islamist militants, although police have also arrested suspected Hindu extremists thought to be behind some of the attacks.

ANI