Sat Feb 15 11:23:03 UTC 2025: ## US Agrees to Extradite 26/11 Mumbai Attack Facilitator to India
**New Delhi/Washington D.C. -** In a major development in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the United States has agreed to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman implicated in the attacks, to India. The decision, announced following bilateral talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, follows a January 21, 2025 US Supreme Court ruling rejecting Rana’s review petition.
Rana, convicted in the US for aiding Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a separate plot to attack Denmark, was acquitted of direct involvement in the 26/11 attacks. However, Indian authorities have long maintained his crucial role in facilitating the attacks, providing logistical support and cover for David Headley, another key plotter. Evidence suggests Rana, through his immigration business, helped Headley gain access to India for reconnaissance. Further, communication between Rana and Headley, along with Rana’s ties to an ISI operative, implicated him in the planning and execution of the attacks.
The extradition marks a significant victory for India, which has relentlessly pursued Rana’s prosecution. The US statement reaffirmed its commitment to bringing all perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice. The 26/11 attacks, carried out by 10 LeT gunmen, resulted in the deaths of 166 people and injured over 300, targeting iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Oberoi Trident.
While the extradition process was delayed for years, this move underscores strengthening US-India cooperation in combating terrorism and offers a measure of closure to the victims’ families. Rana will now face interrogation and trial in India, where he will be held accountable for his alleged role in one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent history.
First Piper 