This is a clear change in 'A-Q' tactics - much more sophisiticated and targetted at key points - rather than, say, a truck full of easily-replacable soldiers.
It's not only the US that are acutely concerned about PK special weapons. It wasn't until a stand-off between India and Pakistan in early 2001n that it was discovered that Pakistan lacked a '2 key' system for control of their deterrent. With UK assistance, a system was quietly installed...if it were a Tom Clancy 'film' there'd be the red LED clock counting down in the background as Jack Ryan rewired their C2 system!