NEW DELHI: The United States strongly welcomed the extradition of Pakistani-Canadian terror accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting India’s efforts in bringing the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to justice.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rana, 64, was extradited to India to face trial for his role in planning the devastating 26/11 attacks, which claimed around 170 lives, including six American citizens.
"The United States has long supported India’s efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice," Bruce said. "As President Trump has stated, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism ."
She further emphasized the significance of the moment, calling Rana's extradition a step toward justice and expressing pride that he is now in India’s custody. "Rana is in their possession, and we are very proud of that dynamic," Bruce added during a press briefing. “Some may not remember how horrific these attacks were. I encourage everyone to revisit what happened in 2008 and understand the importance of today’s development.”
A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice had echoed the sentiment in a statement to news agency PTI, calling the move a “critical step toward seeking justice” for all victims of the Mumbai attacks. Rana is being extradited to face 10 criminal charges linked to his alleged role in the planning and execution of the attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The extradition comes after years of legal proceedings and diplomatic coordination between India and the United States. Rana had been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles while fighting the extradition. His final attempt to block the move failed when the US Supreme Court denied his emergency application for a stay, clearing the path for Indian authorities to bring him back.
Rana’s application had argued that extradition posed a risk to his life due to his deteriorating health and alleged threats of torture. He cited serious medical conditions including heart disease, Parkinson’s, kidney issues, and a potential cancer diagnosis. However, these claims were ultimately rejected by the court.
Back in India, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has remanded Rana to 18 days of NIA custody . Investigators say his custodial interrogation is vital to unraveling the broader conspiracy behind the 2008 attacks.
According to the NIA, Rana was closely associated with David Coleman Headley , a convicted Pakistani-American terrorist and one of the key architects of the Mumbai attacks. The agency presented evidence, including emails between Headley and Rana, discussing the operational aspects of the attacks and key players such as Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rana, 64, was extradited to India to face trial for his role in planning the devastating 26/11 attacks, which claimed around 170 lives, including six American citizens.
"The United States has long supported India’s efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice," Bruce said. "As President Trump has stated, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism ."
She further emphasized the significance of the moment, calling Rana's extradition a step toward justice and expressing pride that he is now in India’s custody. "Rana is in their possession, and we are very proud of that dynamic," Bruce added during a press briefing. “Some may not remember how horrific these attacks were. I encourage everyone to revisit what happened in 2008 and understand the importance of today’s development.”
A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice had echoed the sentiment in a statement to news agency PTI, calling the move a “critical step toward seeking justice” for all victims of the Mumbai attacks. Rana is being extradited to face 10 criminal charges linked to his alleged role in the planning and execution of the attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The extradition comes after years of legal proceedings and diplomatic coordination between India and the United States. Rana had been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles while fighting the extradition. His final attempt to block the move failed when the US Supreme Court denied his emergency application for a stay, clearing the path for Indian authorities to bring him back.
Rana’s application had argued that extradition posed a risk to his life due to his deteriorating health and alleged threats of torture. He cited serious medical conditions including heart disease, Parkinson’s, kidney issues, and a potential cancer diagnosis. However, these claims were ultimately rejected by the court.
Back in India, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has remanded Rana to 18 days of NIA custody . Investigators say his custodial interrogation is vital to unraveling the broader conspiracy behind the 2008 attacks.
According to the NIA, Rana was closely associated with David Coleman Headley , a convicted Pakistani-American terrorist and one of the key architects of the Mumbai attacks. The agency presented evidence, including emails between Headley and Rana, discussing the operational aspects of the attacks and key players such as Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman.
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