Overview
- Security sources and state media said security forces killed five militants and wounded four during an intelligence-based operation in the Palantak area of Washuk on Wednesday.
- Officials reported that advanced weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants after the operation.
- Authorities said the raid was carried out under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3 as part of a stepped-up series of IBOs that included an Oct. 7 action in Mastung.
- President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the forces and reiterated that the government blames foreign sponsors for attacks and will continue the campaign.
- Independent data show militant attacks rose sharply nationwide last month to 225 incidents, and analysts warn the intensified campaign risks renewing cross-border tensions with Afghanistan while aiming to restore local security.