By IANS,
Islamabad : Thousands of people have fled their homes in Lower Dir district in Pakistan’s troubled North West Frontier Province (NWFP) as troops intensified their battle against the Taliban, killing at least 10 militants overnight, officials said Friday.
The security forces pounded the Taliban positions in Timargarah area, killing at least 10 militants, Geo TV reported citing officials.
Thousands of local residents fled the area to safer places, while the banks in the area remained closed for an indefinite period, the report said.
In one incident, militants blew up a police station that was vacated Thursday amid tensions in Adeen Zai tehsil.
Meanwhile, warplanes and gunship helicopters continued pounding militants’ hideouts in the neighbouring Kabal tehsil of the Swat Valley.
Sources, however, said there was no casualty in the operation so far.
An indefinite curfew has been imposed in the district.
The power supply in the area remained suspended Friday after militants attacked a power station four days ago. The Lower Dir district and the adjoining areas are also facing water shortages, the report said.