Pakistan Offers Reward as Sri Lankans’ Gunmen Escape (Update)

[Coventina]

Source: Bloomberg

March 4 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistani authorities offered a 10 million rupee ($125,000) reward to help catch the 12 gunmen who attacked Sri Lanka’s visiting cricket team yesterday before escaping from security forces.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the gun and grenade ambush in Lahore, which killed six police officers and injured six team members. Officials said the attack resembled the November assault on India’s financial hub, Mumbai.

The attack on sportsmen from a country with few links to the U.S.-led struggle against Islamic extremism raises questions about President Asif Ali Zardari’s grip on power. The mounting cost of tackling terrorism has deepened an economic crisis that forced his government to seek $12 billion in loans since November from the International Monetary Fund.

“People are shocked rather than scared,” said Hidayat Ullah, owner of a juice shop at the Liberty Chowk traffic circle where the attack took place. “We just can’t understand why anyone would want to kill Sri Lankan players. They have nothing to do” with the fight against Islamic militants, he said.



Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aN00sbJ6PAPA&refer=asia

[nyy1998]

1. It is austounishing how the 12 guys escape

On Cricinfo, Sangakarra(sp) said they had 4 police vehicles escorting the team. Yet none of these guys were captured, killed, or even wounded(as far as we know). And yet 4 cops were killed and and ton of people injured on the cricket team and security force. Absolutely mind-boggling how these guys got away.

[ohio2007]

2. cops have been silenced. They fear for their families so they 'hope' somebody turns these "boys" in

maybe they should search the madrassas?

naw,
dead end there

[ohio2007]

3. Pakistan police 'warned of Sri Lanka attack

Taliban divide,intimidate and conquer

Wednesday, 04 Mar 2009 18:13
Pakistani authorities warned of possible strike on Sri Lankan cricket team in January, leaked report claims
Pakistan In Focus Pakistani authorities were warned of a possible strike on the Sri Lankan cricket team in January, leaked documents have revealed.
SNIP

The leaked intelligence report dated January 22nd was discussed by police and politicians a day later but not acted on after the federal government of president Asif Ali Zardari sacked the state authorities.

Pervez Rashid, a senior member of sacked Punjab government, said: "Intelligence reports said there might be an attack on the cricket team.

"They made no appropriate security arrangements."

Islamabad responded to the claims by accusing opponents of Mr Zardari of attempting to gain political capital from the terrorist attack.

"It is disturbing that a major Pakistani political party would attempt to score cheap domestic points during such a serious incident," a spokesman said.

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/autocodes/countries/pakistan/pakistan-police-warned-sri-lanka-attack--$1274575.htm