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Army orders Swat evacuation, civilians flee
[Iran Press TV Latest] The civilians in Pakistan's northwestern troubled valley of Swat streamed out of their homes following evacuation orders from Islamabad's troops. Military helicopters dropped leaflets overnight and advised residents to leave several villages within five kilometers of Swat's main town of Mingora.

The government says it is easing curfew conditions in the center of the valley so the civilians can flee the militant-riddled areas. Special buses were said to have been arranged on Friday to transport people to government-run camps in the neighboring districts.

The UN estimates nearly 126,000 people fleeing the fighting in the troubled northwest every day.

The clashes in Swat have pushed millions of terrified civilians into camps set up in various parts of the North West Frontier Province since May 2. More than three million internally displaced people are now residing in temporary camps in the country's northwest.

The massive displacement is Pakistan's biggest movement of people since the country secured independence from Britain in 1947.

The recent decision for evacuation comes following reports that militants fleeing Mingora were now hiding in the villages, according to government sources. Last Saturday, the army said its troops had asserted control over Mingora after a month-long operation. Yet the Pakistani army is still being challenged by the militants on the outskirts of Mingora.

Security forces initiated the offensive against the militants in late April after they lost the Buner district near the capital Islamabad. The Swat valley is a strategic post lying less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Islamabad. Pakistan's army now says it could take several months to clear Swat from the insurgents who have long thrived in the troubled valley.

UN has warned against a developing humanitarian crises and the spread of diseases among the internally displaced people (IDPs) at the refugee camps.
Posted by: Fred 2009-06-06
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=271333