Security Forces Battle Armed Groups and Seize Heavy Weapons in Rawalakot

Overview

• AJK police said they launched sustained raids in Rawalakot and were clearing buildings taken by armed attackers, a situation SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat described on Wednesday as ongoing operations against groups that fired on security personnel.
• Authorities reported the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including heavy arms and an American-made automatic firearm seized from detainees.
• Security officials said one Pakistan Rangers member was killed and about 15 police and other security personnel were wounded in the clashes.
• The AJK government has blamed the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for orchestrating the violence after it was banned on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act for posing a security threat.
• Federal ministers publicly pledged full support to the AJK administration, and officials warned that misleading social-media narratives were being spread as authorities continue operations while provisional election results have already been reported in several constituencies.