A dozen terrorists armed with rocket launchers, grenades and Kalashnikovs attacked a bus carrying Sri Lanka's cricket team in Lahore, the capital of Punjab, on Tuesday morning.

Eight persons — seven policemen and a civilian — were killed in the most high-profile attack on sportsmen since Palestinian terrorists targeted Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympics. Six members of the Lankan team — captain Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavithana, Thilan Samaraweera, assistant coach Paul Farbrace —were injured. Pakistani umpire Ahsan Raza was also badly injured.

The Lankans were heading from their hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium, scene of their greatest triumph 13 years ago when Arjuna Ranatunga's men beat Australia in the final to win the World Cup.

Tuesday's incident is being described as a replay of the Mumbai terror strikes. At least a dozen masked gunmen, in three groups, targeted the bus carrying the team with a rocket launcher, which fortunately misfired, and tossed grenades which failed to hit the vehicle. They then opened fire with assault rifles. Pakistani security officers said the attackers arrived in autorickshaws.

Amir Mir/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication