Pakistan's nukes safe, prime minister says

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The nuclear infrastructure in Pakistan is not at risk of falling into the hands of terrorist, the Pakistani prime minister said.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the spate of terrorist activity throughout the country was a national shock that required a crushing response. Despite attacks on various military compounds, however, he said the nuclear infrastructure was secure.

"The prime minister assured the nation and the international community that Pakistan's nuclear infrastructure is totally safe and secure and these terrorists pose no threat to its safety," a statement from his office read.

He went on to praise the "monumental courage" of the Pakistani people, saying a military offensive in South Waziristan was progressing in the right direction, Pakistan's Daily Mail newspaper reports.

Pakistan launched a major military offensive during the weekend against Taliban insurgents in the tribal belt along the volatile border with Afghanistan.

"The operation has started successfully and Insha'Allah (god willing), we will achieve our objectives," said the prime minister.

The Pakistani Taliban vowed revenge for the August death of their leader Baitullah Mehsud, launching a string of high-profile attacks in recent weeks.

On Thursday, militants thought to be linked to the Taliban assassinated a top military commander and his driver in Islamabad.