The ISI-LeT jehadi gang-up is targeting INS Viraat, India'sonly aircraft carrier, to weaken India'sair and sea supremacy in the event of an all-out war. In 1971, INS Vikrant played a decisive role in India trouncing Pakistan, and Pak doesn'twant that to be repeated.
According to media reports, US intelligence has warned India that after Mumbai, LeT'stechnological chief Zarar Shah is showing more than inquisitive interest in INS Viraat. The constant monitoring of the internet and e-mail connections of the LeT have revealed that Lashkar is planning to bomb Viraat using a suicide pilot of a helicopter.
Prior to the Mumbai terror attacks, extensive study of the city, its police force, its response mechanism, destinations where maximum damage could be inflicted, etc. were carried out before launching the macabre terror attacks.
The LeT target was to destroy INS Viraat in Mumbai itself. But Viraat had left Mumbai and is in Kochi Shipyard for major repairs, which will take four to five months to complete.
US intelligence reports suggest that LeT is doing extensive study of helicopter charter services in South India for hiring a helicopter and target Viraat at Kochi in Kerala, in a fidayeen attack, similar to the twin tower attack in US.
Security around Viraat and Kochi Shipyard has been beefed up to the highest levels following the intelligence inputs. Marine Commandos (Marcos) who did a commendable job in Mumbai and commando diver units of the navy are on 24 hour guard. Naval helicopters with anti-aircraft guns are also providing round the clock cover to Viraat.
With Kerala, a haven of all jehadi groups like NDF, PDP, SIMI etc. sponsored by ISI, LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen, there will be no difficulty in getting local support for targeting INS Viraat.
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