">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Gunships and planes strike Pakistan Taliban
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Gunships and planes strike Pakistan Taliban
Reuters - Sunday, May 10
By Junaid Khan
ADVERTISEMENT
MINGORA, Pakistan - Pakistani helicopter gunships and war planes hit Taliban positions in the militants' Swat valley bastion on Saturday but a curfew prevented civilians from fleeing the fighting.
The struggle in the northwestern valley 130 km from Islamabad has become a test of Pakistan's resolve to fight a growing Taliban insurgency that has alarmed the United States and other Western countries.
The military said up to 55 militants were killed in the day's clashes and four soldiers were wounded. The figures could not be independently confirmed.
Pakistan's army went on a full-scale offensive after the government ordered troops to flush out militants from the Islamist stronghold, a former tourism centre.
Fighting had already picked up earlier in the week, triggering a civilian exodus from the battle zones in recent days but concerns are growing about the fate of those still trapped and unable to move because of a curfew.
"We are feeling so helpless, we want to go but can't as there is a curfew," said Sallahudin Khan by telephone from Mingora, Swat's main town.
"We tried to leave yesterday after authorities relaxed the curfew for a few hours, but couldn't as the main road leading out of Mingora was literally jammed with the flood of fleeing people," he said as gunship fire boomed in the background.
Helicopters and warplanes targeted militant hideouts in Mingora and other areas in Swat, military officials said. Militants fired rockets at an army base in Mingora.
Swat administrator, Khushal Khan, told Reuters the curfew would remain in force throughout the day.
The U.N. refugee agency has said a "massive displacement" is underway. Citing provincial government estimates, it said on Friday up to 200,000 people had left their homes over recent days with a further 300,000 on the move or about to move.
They join 555,000 people displaced from other areas because of fighting since August, the agency said.
Many of the displaced stay with relatives or friends or find shelter on their own, but aid agencies and officials fear if the situation is protracted they will join tens of thousands in camps, further straining resources.
Pakistan's private Express TV station reported looting at one camp on Saturday, showing scenes of scuffles over supplies, but said the situation had been brought under control.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani told a news conference the government would seek international help for the displaced people.
He also said the military would do its best to avoid hurting civilians.
"This is not a normal war. This is a guerrilla war. But it is our resolve, it is the resolve of the army that there should be minimum collateral damage."
Pakistan's fight against militants sheltering near the border with Afghanistan is seen as vital to efforts to defeat the insurgency in that country.
While Swat is not next to the border, analysts say it could also become a base for Afghanistan insurgents as well as for efforts to destabilise nuclear-armed Pakistan's government.
Up to 15,000 troops have been pitched against between 4,000 to 5,000 battle-hardened militants in the valley.
"In my area, there is no government, it's all Taliban," said Ibrahim Khan, a farmer in the militant stronghold of Matta town.
"They are in full control."
In an incident that could hurt government efforts to rally support for the offensive, suspected pilotless U.S. drone aircraft fired missiles on Saturday at targets in South Waziristan, an al Qaeda and Taliban sanctuary on the Afghanistan border, intelligence officials said.
One official as well as a Taliban source said the missiles killed five militants. Another intelligence official put the death toll at as high as 20.
Pakistanis have criticised such U.S. attacks because they sometimes kill civilians and are viewed as violating sovereignty. They have been a factor in past opposition to Islamabad cooperating with Washington in fighting militants.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Bangladesh PM's ailing husband diesAP - 1 hour 47 minutes ago
Desperation in Pakistani hospitals, refugee campsAP - 2 hours 24 minutes ago
Maldives holds multiparty parliamentary electionsAP - Sunday, May 10
Gunships and planes strike Pakistan TalibanReuters - Sunday, May 10
Pakistan: Up to 55 Taliban killed in northwestAP - Sunday, May 10
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
Obese young men have less hope of marriage: study
British store admits it boobed in bra row
Stress tests lift uncertainty over US banks
Court okays breast removal for transsexual teen: report
Obama budget to slash 'stunning' waste in US
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Saturday, 9 May 2009 Afghan's Karzai demands U.S. halt air strikes: report
| International
|
Ahmadinejad seeks new term as Iran president
| International
|
U.N. says south Sudan tribal violence worrying
| International
|
Scheffer says NATO's doors open to Balkan hopefuls
| International
|
U.S. state AGs looking at Google books deal
| Technology
|
Visionary or plane crazy? Airbus contest to decide
| Technology
|
Australia Shores Up Defense As U.S. Power In Region Wanes
Report: Pelosi Was Briefed About Waterboarding In 2002
Child Welfare Spokesman Gets 24 Years In Prison for Child Porn
U.S. Job Market Shows Sign Of Improvement; Unemployment Rate Raises Concerns
"Inappropriate" Growth of Children Spurs New Rules for Sex Gels
Democrats Give Obama Deadline To Submit "Comprehensive Plan" On Closing Guantanamo
Wal-Mart Agrees to Act To Prevent Future Store Tramplings
Crown Of The Statue Of Liberty To Reopen On Independence Day
Former Homeland Security Sec. Tom Ridge Decides Against Senate Run
Roughly 1,400 Firefighters Battle Growing California Wildlfire
Van Halen confirmed for Guitar Hero
| Entertainment
|
ABBA legends pair up for first new songs in 15 years
| Entertainment
|
KFC cancels free chicken deal after Oprah promo
| Entertainment
|
Runaway Cow Escapes Slaughter, Leads Police On Chase
Borat Star Suffered Serious Burns After Trying To Bleach His Body Hair
Michael Douglas Jokes He Had Knee Surgery So He Can Chase Daughter's Future Boyfriends
Tongue Exercise May Reduce Sleep Apnea, Snoring
Diddy Holds Business Meetings In The Gym
Queen Elizabeth's Racehorse Fails Drug Test
American Tourist Caught Swimming Away From Burmese Opposition Leader's Lakeside Home
World's Oldest Dog Turns 21 With Birthday Party, Cake
University Of Illinois At Chicago Bans Graduation Handshakes As H1N1 Precaution
Volcano Boarding New Extreme Sport
Afghan leader demands air strikes end
Pope to visit mosque in Jordan, address Muslims
| International
|
Pope in Jordan to strengthen Christian-Muslim ties
State Attorney Generals Leary Over Google Books Deal
No need to talk to South, says North Korea
| International
|
Obama administration renews sanctions on Syria
Concert Promoter Admits To "Phony Toni" Braxton Show Scam
Iran court to review U.S. reporter's case
| International
|
Murdoch leads charge to get readers to pay online
Lebanon arrests 5 suspected of spying for Israel
Howard Stern Blasts Porn Star Sasha Grey For "Racist" Comment
Canada reports first flu death as U.S. cases climb
| International
|
Creditors drop opposition to Chrysler bankruptcy plan
Carjackers kill peacekeeper in Sudan's Darfur
Afghan's Karzai demands U.S. halt air strikes: report
| International
|
Kate Winslet Sues U.K. Tabloid For $225K Over Her Workout Regimen
US job losses slow, as unemployment hits new high
South Africa's Zuma to be sworn in as president
| International
|
Turkey pledges renewed EU drive
Apple Approves Nine Inch Nails iPhone Application Without Changes
NIN's Trent Reznor Blasts Prince And Rivers Cuomo In Recent Interview
Canada to appeal court ruling on Guantanamo inmate
| International
|
U.N. experts prepare to investigate war crimes in Gaza
Kiefer Sutherland Charged With Misdemeanor Assault
Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Ean Evans Dies From Cancer
Nicolas Cage's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" Suffers Another Car Accident
AP sources: Gov't sticks with Bush polar bear rule
Beauty Queen May Lose Crown Over Naughty Photos
AT&T to buy some Alltel assets for $2.35 billion
| Technology
|
Court reinstates Yahoo lawsuit over fake profiles
| Technology
|
Calif. wildfire estimate doubled to 8,600 acres
Court reinstates Yahoo lawsuit over fake profiles
Hackers breach US air traffic control computers
Trolleys collide in Boston; 49 people hurt
U.S. state AGs looking at Google books deal
NY man, 61, dies climbing Alaska's Mount McKinley
Russia shows military power in Soviet-style parade
Miss Calif. pageant to address contract violations
Ethics complaint against Palin dismissed
UN chief to travel to Bahrain, Switzerland later this month
4 teens charged with sexual battery of teammate
Armenian, Azeri heads make progress on Karabakh: mediator
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 610
Temporary Czech cabinet sworn in
Man gets more prison time in transgender slaying
Danny Gokey, 'American Idol' crews visit Milwaukee
Jose Carreras announces retirement from opera
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan's ex-leader rushed to hospital: doctor
Myanmar's Suu Kyi 'not in good health': party
Christian Bale forces Terminator rewrite
| Entertainment
|
Sacha Baron Cohen's Bruno is pushin' der limits
| Entertainment
|
Pakistan president sees 'war' against Taliban
Swine flu: Japan, Australia report first cases
Lost teen's emergency calls prove futile
KFC amends free chicken deal after Oprah promo
| Entertainment
|
Japan's first swine flu patients confirmed
Q&A: Turning 60, Billy Joel is happy and contented
| Entertainment
|
Japan confirms first 3 swine flu cases
Rapper offers free Stimulus Package
| Entertainment
|
Sri Lanka troops break more rebel defences: ministry
AFGHAN NOTEBOOK: CIA past shapes Gates' outlook
North Korea says no need to talk to South
Pakistani c.bank buys 43.57 bln rupees of T-bills
EU states seek more time on S.Korea pact-diplomats
EU, China bank on trade to ward off economic slump
Volkswagen, FAW to invest 5bn yuan in China: report
Rapper offers free "Stimulus Package"
Hyundai mulls shift from India on labour woes
'Idol' Kris Allen returns to Ark. hometown, parade
EU agrees to final push in South Korea trade talks
Sacha Baron Cohen's "Bruno" is "pushin' der limits"
Scores die breaking down ships in Asia
KFC amends free chicken deal after Oprah promo
Christian Bale forces "Terminator" rewrite
Hugh Jackman to launch `Wolverine' in Mexico
Fired apprentices diss Joan Rivers
"Star Trek" launched to robust advance screenings
Statue of Liberty's head to open to tourists again
Jose Carreras announces retirement from opera
Militia must stay out of election: Iran reformer
Iran court to review U.S. reporter's case
Gunships, planes strike Pakistan Taliban in Swat
| International
|
Geithner's warning on speed of economic recovery
Medvedev says Russia will rebuff agression
| International
|
Pope calls for Christian-Muslim harmony
| International
|
Zuma sworn in as South African president
| International
|
Georgia opposition seeks meeting with president
| International
|
No plans to abolish Turkey's rural militia: minister
| International
|
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood dismisses Obama speech
| International
|
Nations gather for oceans talks in Indonesia
Berlusconi says riding high despite divorce coverage
| International
|
Competing demands on health overhaul from groups
Peel and weep: Stamps costing 2 cents more Monday
Leahy to return Citigroup donation
Microsoft says EU may boost Google dominance: report
Cleanup begins after Midwest storms killed 5
GOP: Closing Guantanamo prison threatens security
Obama: Send me credit card legislation this month
Gay marriage effort stalls in heavily Catholic RI
Hollywood writer John Furia Jr. dies at age 79
Microsoft says EU may boost Google dominance: report
| Technology
|
Food stamp rule frustrates police in North Dakota
Maldives holds multiparty parliamentary elections
Gunships and planes strike Pakistan Taliban
Pakistan: Up to 55 Taliban killed in northwest
U.S. drone attack kills at least five in Pakistan
Report: China mine owners hide death of 6 workers
Malaysia frees terror suspects, Indian activists
Australia reports first case of swine flu
Rights group: Sri Lanka shelling hospitals
Indian PM: Outsourcing helps US companies
Japan nuke plant restarts two years after quake
Sri Lanka troops kill 35 Tigers: military
Amy Winehouse cuts short comeback gig in Caribbean
Language of Jesus keeps memories alive in Israel
Miss Calif. pageant to address contract violations
Andy Samberg hosts special on 'SNL' short films
Nations gather for oceans talks in Indonesia
Beyonce Says She Was So Fat As A Child That Her Family Used To Help Her Fasten Her Clothes
Man Shoplifts Clothes, Then Applies For Job At Same Store
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights