Fighting displaces tens of thousands in Pakistan

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Pakistan's army has finally captured a strategic town in South Waziristan after intense fighting with Taliban militants. But the ongoing violence has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

After changing hands three times since the Pakistani army launched a major offensive on Taliban strongholds over a week ago, the strategic town of Kotkai in South Waziristan is now under the control of the military.

Major-Genaral Athar Abbas, Military Spokesman, said, "The place was a stronghold of terrorists with majority of houses converted into strong bunkers. The town also has a training camp of Qari Hussain who is known as the mentor for suicide bombers. Security forces are in the process of clearing the built-up area."

According to the United Nations, the conflict in Waziristan has forced 155-thousand civilians out of their homes.

Internally displaced people from Waziristan have begun arriving in Bannu.

Nawar Mehsud, said, "I have been through a tough time travelling with my family."

Jehanzeb Mehsud, said, "We have been through the mountains. We walked five to six hours on foot through mountain terrain."

Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, remains on high alert in the wake of a recent string of militant attacks that coincided with the army offensive in South Waziristan.