The operations were launched following a recent increase in militant attacks targeting police and other law enforcement agencies in Banu

The death toll since July 5 reaches 88, the official sources say on situation in Balochistan

The sources say nine militants were killed during the latest phase of the operation through a combination of aerial strikes and ground engagements

The military spokesperson says first attack occurred on the night of July 4-5 in Hanna Urak, where militants identified by the military as Fitna al-Khawarij targeted local residents

Ziarat Superintendent of Police (SP) Abdul Quddus says heavily armed militants stormed police checkpoint, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which nine police personnel embraced martyrdom

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi says Pakistan’s actions were legitimate, targeted and proportionate measures taken against terrorist hideouts posing threats to national security

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the Afghan envoy was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a formal demarche was delivered over the incident

Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar says operations were launched following recent terrorist incidents in the country and targeted hideouts of the banned Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij in border areas

Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar says the operations were launched in response to a series of recent terrorist incidents