'Terrorists highly-trained and motivated'

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

This was the observation of the elite Marcos Naval Commandos which had the first confrontation with the terrorists at the city's landmark Taj Hotel.

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

He said these observations were conveyed to him by his Marcos commandos.

In the operations, Marcos seized stun grenades, hand grenades and other sophisticated ammunitions 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.