New Zealand condemns "cowardly" Mumbai attacks

WELLINGTON: New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully on Thursday condemned the coordinated attacks in India's commercial capital Mumbai as a cowardly assault on civilians.

Nearly 80 people were killed in the attacks across Mumbai late Wednesday, as gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenades hit two luxury hotels and took guests including foreigners hostage.

McCully said New Zealand diplomats were trying to find out if any New Zealanders had been hurt in the attacks, although none had been reported.

"These coordinated attacks were a cowardly attempt to cause widespread, indiscriminate casualties among innocent civilians," McCully said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned New Zealanders against all tourist and non-essential travel to Mumbai.