Urban Warfare Project The 2008 Mumbai Attacks
Dec 12, 2025
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Liam Collins, an expert on urban warfare, delves into the 2008 Mumbai attacks that paralyzed a bustling city. He discusses the attackers’ strategic use of Mumbai's dense urban landscape and their meticulous planning, including surveillance by David Headley. The conversation highlights the chaos of simultaneous attacks and the shortcomings of local security forces. Collins emphasizes crucial lessons for countering urban terrorism, stressing the need for rapid national responses and expert knowledge of megacity dynamics.
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Small Force, Massive Strategic Impact
- The 2008 Mumbai attacks showed how a small, lightly trained terrorist team can paralyze a mega-city and force a national-level response.
- John Spencer and Liam Collins argue the event remains understudied by military communities despite its strategic significance.
On-the-Ground Research In Mumbai
- Liam Collins recounts visiting Mumbai in 2019 and interviewing people connected to the attack for firsthand insight.
- He emphasizes walking the ground and talking to Leopold Cafe owners to better understand the terrain and events.
Reconnaissance Drove Target Selection
- David Headley provided detailed reconnaissance over multiple visits that validated target selection and routes for the attackers.
- His information included GPS waypoints, photos, and videos that shaped the operation's planning.