World leaders expressed anger and horror Thursday after Islamist militant attacks in Mumbai left more than 100 people dead, as fears grew over foreign hostages. While Indian army commandos battled gunmen who launched the attacks on luxury hotels and other targets in India's financial hub, European governments were reportedly making plans to evacuate their nationals. An Australian, a Britain, an Italian, a German, and a Japanese businessman were among foreigners confirmed dead – while Americans, Israelis, Canadians and a Jewish rabbi were said to be among those still held hostage. Almost 300 people have been reported wounded in the attacks which have been claimed by a group calling itself the Deccan Mujahedeen. With 200 people believed trapped in one hotel alone, anger was mixed with concern that Westerners had been sought as hostages. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent Indian Premier Manmohan Singh a message assuring that “the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. The US State Department called the attacks “horrific” and US president-elect Barack Obama said they showed the need for the United States to work with other nations to “root out and destroy terrorist networks.” “These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism,” said Obama's chief national security spokesman Brooke Anderson. President George W. Bush telephoned Singh to offer help in the investigation, the White House said. The Indian prime minister made a televised address to the nation appealing for calm “so that the enemies of our country do not succeed in their nefarious designs.” Underscoring fears of renewed tensions with nuclear-armed rival Pakistan, Singh said those behind the attacks were based “outside the country” and warned “neighbours” not to provide a haven to anti-India militants. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, whose country has seen an upsurge of Islamist attacks, “stressed the need for taking strict measures to eradicate terrorism and extremism from the region”. Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai said: “Terrorists are especially challenging South Asia. A vigorous response to counter these terrorist challenges requires an even more intensified regional cooperation and coordination in all aspects.” NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer blasted the “despicable” raids. “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the mindless and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Attacking innocent people, tourists, and patients in hospitals is despicable and cowardly,” he said in a statement. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the violence was “totally unacceptable”. The European Union expressed “horror and indignation” after European parliament members were caught up in the carnage. Fears the attacks could scare off foreign visitors were heightened when the England cricket team abandoned its one-day series in India, leaving a subsequent Test series also in doubt. A number of airlines cancelled flights to Mumbai, among them Italy's flag-carrier Alitalia and Germany's Lufthansa. European nations plan to send a plane to India to fly their citizens out of Mumbai, Spain's consul in the city said. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, visiting Venezuela, said the attacks damaged “the whole world order” and “represent a challenge to humanity.” Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a telegram to Singh saying Beijing “firmly opposes all forms of terrorism.” A Vatican spokesman described the attacks as “tragic and frightening.” Gulf states also came out strongly against the attacks. “The UAE condemns this horrible crime and affirms its full solidarity with the Indian government,” said United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan. A spokesman for the Qatari foreign ministry condemned “these terrorist acts that go against ethics and humanity,” in a statement carried by the official news agency QNA. “The US government continues to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of our citizens, and stands ready to assist and support the Indian government,” the White House said in a statement.
