Thursday, July 14, 2011

Mumbai: Three Blasts Kill 21, ConGen Mumbai Goes on Partial Reduction of Visa Operations

The US Consulate General in Mumbai released the following warden message yesterday after the three bombings in the city.  Reports indicate that the three explosions killed 21 individuals and wounded 141. The victims had been taken to 11 city hospitals, many of them in a serious condition. Although no Americans were reportedly killed in the attack, I expect that ConGen Mumbai's staff is fanning across the city's hospitals to confirm that we do not have citizens injured in the attack requiring assistance.

Indian authorities have confirmed that on July 13, 2011, at approximately 7:10 pm, three explosions were detonated in southern and central Mumbai.  The blasts are reported to have occurred at the Opera House district and Jhaveri Bazar in southern Mumbai, and at Dadar West in central Mumbai.  At this time, there is no reason to suspect that U.S. citizens were the target of the attacks, and there are no reports of U.S. citizens killed or injured as a result of these attacks.

Our security posture remains vigilant.  The U.S. Mission in India again reminds U.S. citizens to exercise prudence and continue to take active, personal responsibility for their security.  We suggest that U.S. citizens monitor news reports and follow the instructions of Indian authorities.  
Read the whole thing here.

The Consulate General has also posted a notice online that its visa operation will be "partially reduced." suspended until further notice.
The Embassy will continue to process the visa applications of anyone who was interviewed prior to the suspension of visa services. 

Applicants who need to travel to the United States before resumption of full visa services in Damascus are welcome to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at any U.S. Embassy or consulate outside Syria which provides visa services.

Secretary Clinton's Statement:
"We condemn these despicable acts of violence designed to provoke fear and division. Those who perpetrated them must know they cannot succeed. The Indian people have suffered from acts of terrorism before, and we have seen them respond with courage and resilience. We are continuing to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of American citizens. Our hearts are with the victims and their families, and we have reached out to the Indian Government to express our condolence and offer support.

I will be traveling to India next week as planned. I believe it is more important than ever that we stand with India, deepen our partnership, and reaffirm our commitment to the shared struggle against terrorism."

President Obama's Statement
"I strongly condemn the outrageous attacks in Mumbai, and my thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and those who have lost loved ones. The U.S. government continues to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of our citizens. India is a close friend and partner of the United States. The American people will stand with the Indian people in times of trial, and we will offer support to India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice. During my trip to Mumbai, I saw firsthand the strength and resilience of the Indian people, and I have no doubt that India will overcome these deplorable terrorist attacks."



 
 
 

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