22,000 flee due to fighting in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - About 22,000 people have fled Pakistan’s restive tribal region due to intense fighting between military and terrorists, the government said Friday.

Roshan Khan Mehsud, a government spokesperson, said the estimated 22,000 displaced are now living in camps away from the troubled area and are being provided with food and aid, The Nation reported Friday.

The military offensive in Mohmand tribal agency near Afghanistan border began Jan 27 to rout militants involved in targeting security forces and orchestrating bombings in the region.

The official said the troops backed by jets and helicopter gunships had so far killed nearly 100 insurgents. Some casualties among security forces were also reported.