NEWS

Attack bore LeT signs: Experts

By Vicky Nanjappa
March 03, 2009 14:27 IST

The attack on Lankan cricketers in Lahore bear the signs of a Lashkar-e-Tayiba-style attack, terror experts say.

Experts say it is typical of the LeT to carry out such attacks after security agencies cracked down on its leaders.

The attack, they say, goes on to prove that despite claims of dismantling its top leadership, the outfit is capable of striking at will.

Following the crackdown, there were reports that the outfit was down and out. Intelligence Bureau officials earlier said the LeT would try to hit back following the crackdown.

"They could have carried out a blast or a fidayeen attack on any city in Pakistan, but that would not have given them the necessary international attention they always seek for. The Lashkar knew for a fact that targeting a touring team would get them the attention and it would be a message to the world that the crack down on their outfit has made no difference to them.

Experts say that looking at the attack one thing is clear that the operation did not go as planned. LeT's  plan was to take over the stadium and create havoc. However, they were stopped by security agencies.

A strong message has been sent to the Pakistan government, which according to the Lashkar, is bowing the diktat of the US and cracking down on its camps.

Experts say this would also mean the end of cricket by a foreign country on Pakistan soil for a long time. Worse, Pakistan will not get to co-host the World Cup which would mean that there would be more revenue loss.

As of now, it seems the attackers came in from the Murdike camp of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba. This is one of the major camps of the Lashkar and due to its proximity to Lahore, the men were sent in from that camp. The men who attacked Mumbai too were trained at the same camp.

Vicky Nanjappa

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