PICS – Pakistanis flee tribal region

As the paksitani army intensify attack on militants, about 100,000 flee northwest tribal region of Pakistan.  The military launched the operation Sunday night, saying it was targeting militants who have long used the region as a base from which to launch attacks targeting security forces and civilians. But a curfew put in place Saturday prevented residents from leaving until it was lifted Wednesday morning. Even before the operation was announced, about 63,000 people had left North Waziristan because of airstrikes and fear of a larger offensive.  An official  said about 80,000  families left North Waziristan on Wednesday and Thursday. Residents have been streaming out of the region in vehicles loaded down with possessions.