As the rescue operations continue to try to free hostages being held by suspected Islamists in Mumbai, authorities in India are trying to find out who is behind Wednesday’s attacks.

Much mystery remains around the group that orchestrated the coordinated assaults, which were unusual in their scale and their targets.

At least seven locations were hit, including two luxury hotels and a trendy cafe, in a sign the attacks could have been aimed at Westerners.

At least nine suspects have been arrested, including one Pakistani national.

Three have confessed belonging to the Pakistan-based organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, one of the largest Islamist groups in South Asia, which made its name by fighting Indian rule in disputed Kashmir. However, the group has denied any involvement, as has Pakistan.

Earlier, Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh blamed foreign militant groups for the bloodshed – an accusation which implicitly points the finger of blame at Pakistan.

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