Pak troops advance on Taliban strongholds in tribal region

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Thousands of Pakistani troops, backed by helicopter gunships and fighter jets, advanced on Taliban strongholds in Kurram tribal region and consolidated their positions on Monday even as hundreds of families fled the conflict zone.

Pakistani soldiers and paramilitary troops were attacking militant hideouts in Kurram Agency to eliminate and expel the rebels, the local media quoted military sources as saying.

"Taliban militants did not show any resistance," an unnamed military officer said.

The security forces advanced in mountainous areas, including Mushat, Masozai and Ali Sherzaoi, all former strongholds of the Pakistani Taliban. The troops consolidated their positions and established check posts atop mountains overlooking key roads to monitor the movement of militants.

Most of the militants had already fled their hideouts ahead of the operation, reports said. The government had notified 80 sq km in Kurram Agency as a conflict zone a fortnight ago.

Curfew was imposed and communications across the region were suspended before the operation was launched. Troops were dropped by helicopters in Manato and Zaimukhet areas. Thousands of troops were taking part in the operation against militants affiliated with the Tehrike-Taliban Pakistan led by Hakimullah Mehsud, media reports said.

Local residents said thousands of people had left their homes and taken shelter in a relief camp at Sadda, a key town in the region. Hundreds of families shifted to the camp after authorities told them to leave their houses to avoid casualties.