By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Pakistan
Islamabad, 10 May, (Asiantribune.com): A full-scale military offensive has forced the Taliban 'on the run' in northwest of country but militants are stopping civilians from leaving the conflict zone, the army said on Saturday.
"They are on the run," the army said in a statement, adding that Taliban fighters were "trying to block the exodus of innocent civilians by preventing their departure through coercion, IEDs (improvised explosive devices), road blocks with trees and even (making them) hostages".
The army also claimed to have killed over 55 militants on Saturday in Swat and Buner in the ongoing operation intensified on Friday after Pakistan officially gave a node to the offensive against militants.
Pakistani helicopter gunships blasted Taliban positions in the militants’ Swat valley bastion on Saturday where up to 15,000 security forces have been deployed under orders to crush militants.
Helicopters targeted militant hideouts in Mingora on Saturday after insurgents fired rockets at a military base in the town, military officials said.
Thousands of people have been displaced due to militancy and ongoing operation in Swat and Buner. Many of the displaced stay with relatives or friends or find shelter on their own, but aid agencies and officials fear if the situation is protracted they will join tens of thousands in camps, further straining resources.
The UN refugee agency has said a ‘massive displacement’ is underway. Citing provincial government estimates, it said on Friday up to 200,000 people had left their homes over recent days with another 300,000 on the move or about to move.
They join 555,000 people displaced from other areas because of fighting since August, the agency said.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
Now, now Pakistan you can't
Now, now Pakistan you can't do this. The US, UK, France, Norway will come to tell you that you must stop the bombing, not kill civilians, negotiate with the Taliban, allow the Taliban leaders to surrender to a 3rd party (better Sri Lanka as they know how to deal with terrorists).
If you don't they will not allow the IMF to give you loans, freeze aid, suspend you from the commonwealth, haul you before human rights tribunal for war crimes and genocide, allow Taliban representatives to have demonstrations in western capitals and allow your embassies to be stoned and damaged.
Well, if you are not subject to all this, then I am surprised, nay amazed, because this is what Sri Lanka had to face when the LTTE was cornered.
And if so, Pakistan can you tell us what you are doing right that Sri Lanka did not, please.
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