"We did not know the layout of the hotel," the commando told reporters. "There was one person on the hotel staff who was helping to guide us around."

They entered the hotel for the first time essentially blind to what was ahead. They had no idea what kind of people they would encounter, what kind of weapons might be pointed at them, and whether they might be blown up by explosives. Learn more about the Taj's past and future »

So... this is why it took the special forces so long to take down the terrorists. There were no blueprints to map out a quick/simultaneous entry by lots of guys to sweep the whole building, as you would expect them to do.