The central government is shocked by the nature of the Mumbai [ Images ] terror attack on Wednesday night, stated to be the first-of-its kind.

The Congress too has been rattled by the incident.

"This is the most daring and a very, very serious attack," said a Cabinet minister in the United Progressive Alliance [ Images ] government.

The situation is no less than a war, feels a senior Congress party member.

According to him, terrorists had specifically targeted American nationals in one of their operations.

He told rediff.com that a fear of further attacks loomed large over two Mumbai hospitals, a fact which is worrying the government.

Meanwhile, more than 65 army and 200 National Security Guard commandos have set off for Mumbai.

In New Delhi [ Images ], Opposition leader L K Advani has called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ].

• Terror strikes Mumbai, 60 killed