---
title: "26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks: What Happened | Model Diplomat"
description: "The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a 2008 Lashkar-e-Taiba sea-borne assault killing 166. Covers the timeline, coastal security failures, and the legal aftermath."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/26-11-mumbai-attacks"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a coordinated four-day fidayeen assault by ten Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives across Mumbai from 26 November 2008, killing 166 people.
- Which organisation carried out the 26/11 attacks and how was attribution established?
- What institutional reforms did India enact after 26/11?
- How do the 26/11 attacks differ from a conventional suicide bombing?
- What is the status of accountability in Pakistan and internationally?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a coordinated four-day fidayeen assault by ten Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives across Mumbai from 26 November 2008, killing 166 people.

Go beyond the definition

## Research 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Timeline

1. 26 November 2008

   The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a coordinated four-day fidayeen assault by ten Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives across Mumbai from , killing 166 people.

2. 29 November 2008

   The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks denote the series of coordinated armed assaults carried out across the city of Mumbai between 26 and by ten operatives of th…

3. 21 November 2012

   India's subsequent prosecution invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and the Indian Penal Code, while the lone surviving attacker, Ajmal Kas…

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%2026%2F11%20Mumbai%20Terror%20Attacks%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

India's National Investigation Agency was established under the NIA Act, 2008, in direct response to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and in 2025 secured the extradition from the United States of Tahawwur Rana for his role in the plot.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.