Accessibility links

Breaking News

India Says Cricket World Cup Could be Terror Target


India's Yuvraj Singh (L) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhone walk off the field together after they won their ICC Cricket World Cup group B match against The Netherlands in New Delhi, March 9, 2011
India's Yuvraj Singh (L) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhone walk off the field together after they won their ICC Cricket World Cup group B match against The Netherlands in New Delhi, March 9, 2011

Indian intelligence officials are asking World Cup cricket venues and coastal states to increase security in anticipation of possible terrorist attacks.

News of the warning from India's home affairs ministry was made public Wednesday, with some officials saying members of terror cells may have already entered the country.

The warning says there are no specific threats, but that suspected terror operatives have been trying to obtain details about the timing and venues for World Cup cricket matches.

The officials also say that some oil installations along India's coastline could be targeted, and that some of the terror cells have been seeking information about various explosive chemicals.

Intelligence officials say they suspect al-Qaida and Lashkar-e-Taiba are trying to carry out the attacks.

The Cricket World Cup began in February and ends April 2. The matches are being played in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

In 2008, Pakistani-based terrorists attacked Mumbai, killing 166 people.

The attack drew worldwide attention and derailed peace talks between Indian and Pakistan.

Last month, an Indian appeals court upheld the conviction and death sentence of the only surviving gunman from the Mumbai attacks.

Ajmal Kasab had been found guilty in May of a string of offenses, including murder, waging war against India, and terrorism.

Kasab was one of 10 young Pakistanis who attacked luxury hotels, a Jewish center and a busy train station in India's financial capital in November 2008

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

XS
SM
MD
LG