Delhi Games an 'appealing target' for LeT: US

Washington, Sep 23: Adding to the already high threat perception ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the United States has warned that Delhi Games will be 'appealing target' for Laskar-e-Toiba (LeT).

"We are concerned that next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi will be an appealing target for Lashkar-e-Taiba due to their political and economic significance for India," said Michael Leiter, the director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre.

Besides the political and economic significance iof Delhi Games to India, the international media's attention on the Oct 3- Oct 14 mega event will attract the Pakistan-based terror group, the US counter-terrorism official told the Senate homeland security and governmental affairs committee on Wednesday, Sep 24.

LeT's attacks in Kashmir and other parts of India have had a destabilising effect on the region, increasing tensions and brinkmanship between New Delhi and Islamabad, Leiter noted, before adding, "LeT poses a threat to a range of interests in South Asia."

The warning from America on CWG comes at a time when several athletes have already opted out of the games citing security reasons, especially after the Sep 19 Jama Masjid firing, in which two Taiwanese were injured.

The Delhi Games will be secured by a four-layer security cover, which will include snipers on rooftops, commando hit teams and expert groups to tackle any chemical, biological, radio-active or nuclear attacks.

'West can also be targeted'

The official also warned that the LeT is now growing in power to target the West as well.

Although the terror group has not previously conducted attacks in the West, LeT—or LeT trained individuals—could pose a direct threat to the Homeland and Europe, especially if they join hands with al-Qaeda, Leiter cautioned.

OneIndia News