US, UK, Oz intelligence sent teams to foil attacks on Delhi CWG

LONDON - The United States, Britain and Australia had reportedly sent intelligence teams to India last year to help stop Pakistan-based groups from launching a terrorist attack on the ongoing Delhi Commonwealth Games.

According to the Telegraph, the three governments feared that another 26/11 Mumbai-style terror attack was possible during the Games.

The result of the work was seen in May, when the countries warned of an imminent attack in New Delhi. Each changed travel advice and told visitors to avoid government buildings and markets.

Intelligence reports from Pakistan had also suggested that an Al-Qaeda affiliate, ‘Brigade 313′, was planning attacks on the mega-sporting event in India.

Fears of an attack had led to the withdrawal of some leading athletes, including Brit world triple jump champion Phillips Idowu.

The paper also said that Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon Panetta’s visit to Islamabad last week was intended to inform Pakistan President Asif Zardari and Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani that Washington expected their co-operation in preventing any terrorist attacks on the Games.

The CIA Director later visited New Delhi to brief his Indian counterparts.

Britain’s contribution is understood to be part of growing security co-operation between the two countries.

It is believed that Indian security agencies would return the assistance during 2012 London Olympics. (ANI)