Pakistan: Army operation continues as civilians flee

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 05-11-2009 19:03

Thousands of civilians continue to flee from areas in Pakistan's three northwest provinces, as fighting continues between army forces and Taliban militants. On Sunday, the Pakistan army claimed it killed 400 to 500 Taliban militants.

Pakistani soldiers pass fleeing civilians as they head from Mardan towards Malakand district, located in the North West Frontier Province, about 150 km (85 miles) north west of  Pakistan's capital Islamabad May 10, 2009. REUTERS/Mian  Khursheed

The Pakistani army is determined to take Malakand Division.

Fighter jets and helicopter gunships have pounded Swat and surrounding districts over the past few days.

It comes after Taliban fighters in the valley moved out and tried to impose their region in other areas, including a stretch just 96 kilometers from the capital, Islamabad.

In the town of Rustam in Mardan district, a petrol station serves as an aid distribution point.