Thousands Of Pakistanis flee From Homes Amidst Militant Operation

By BOB Goswami

PAKISTAN NEWS - The fierce battle between Pakistani military and militant groups in the tribal region of Mohmand forced civilians to evacuate the place and took shelter in temporary camps.

In the recent times Pakistani troops have been using heavy weapons and helicopters to wipe out suspected militant position and that has caused heavy toll on the local residents. It is reported that the region Mohmand, on the border with Afghanistan has been serving as a safe den for the Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.

"We are targeting militant hideouts there," military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas confirmed.

The army called the operation a ‘search and clearance operation’ and reported to kill at least 70 militants.

In this battle civilians are greatly distressed by sudden bombarding and firing. A local administration told that residents displaced from Safi, Pindiali and Baizai districts to temporary camps. People are deeply feared about mines and other hazards and moved to safer places. Officials stated that total of displaced civilians were almost 25,000.

There are camps in the Nahaquai area and Danishkool, 40 and 25 km respectively from Ghalanai. Official report says at least 22,000 people have been registered in the two camps in last few days. Other than that people have also sought shelter in schools and government buildings.

In the recent times Mohmand area has been heavily disturbed by militant activities relative to other tribal areas in Pakistan. In recent weeks, terrorists have underwent shelling at dozen schools and assailed checkpoints.