Thousands flee NWA fearing operation: officials

PESHAWAR: Tens of thousands of people from Pakistan´s most troubled tribal district have fled their homes fearing a long-awaited military operation is imminent, officials and residents said Monday.

A government official in Peshawar told AFP that some 58,000 people, mostly women and children, had fled North Waziristan district since air strikes targeting militants in late May killed at least 75 people.

The exodus has increased rapidly in recent days, with more than 25,000 fleeing their homes in the last 48 hours alone, he added.

An official in the district´s main town of Miranshah confirmed the migration was underway to various parts of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkwha province.

"I am taking my family to a safer location," said one resident who did not wish to be named.

The rugged district that lies on the border with Afghanistan is the main stronghold of Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants in the lawless tribal belt after the Pakistani military launched offensives in the six other districts.