Pakistan army continues its offensive against Taliban, 78 dead

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Pakistan is pressing ahead with its military offensive in the country's main Taliban and al-Qaida stronghold in South Waziristan. The army says that since the offensive began on Saturday 78 Taliban militants have been killed.

Troops are fighting Taliban militants on three fronts in the lawless, semi-autonomous region. Major General Athar Abbas is claiming a preliminary victory in the offensive.

Major General Athar Abbas, Pakistani Army Spokesman, said, "The forces are carrying out a successful operation. And we will complete the operation within the timescale. But it's not appropriate to announce the timescale."

As the operation entered its third day, hundreds of South Waziristan residents were fleeing their homes. Authorities say up to 200 thousand people may leave the area in the coming weeks.

Fazlu Rehman, South Waziristan Resident, said, "The fighting is going on there. There are lots of bombardments of houses, of mosques, of religious schools, of everything. So we don't have any choice except to leave the area. We're going to find some safe place."

The wave of military attacks has aroused security fears across the country. Hundreds of schools are closed, and will stay closed all week.

In the few schools that remain open, students and their parents cannot help feeling worried.

Tamim Safdar, Pupil Islamabad College for Girls, said, "There's a lot of security and danger around here. Now the terrorists are targeting the big buildings and schools. The school should be closed."

Bilal Naeem, Parent, said, "The threat is present here after the operation began. The government had some information that the terrorists could attack our school bus and take students hostage."

It's almost impossible to independently verify what is going on in South Waziristan, because the army is blocking access to it and surrounding towns.

But accounts from residents and refugees suggest the situation is tough. Officials expect the operation will last for two months until winter sets in making fighting difficult.