Taliban Accused Of Using Human Shields
(AP)
Pakistani women walk past tents at a refugee camp in Mardan, in northwest Pakistan, Thursday, May 7, 2009. Thousands of residents are fleeing fighting between the army and Taliban militants in the Swat Valley, in Pakistan`s northwest.
CBS News' Farhan Bokhari reports from Islamabad, Pakistan on increased fighting by the government against Taliban militant forces.
Taliban militants in Pakistan's embattled Swat region on Friday were accused of using civilians as human shields as the military stepped up its attacks targeting suspected Taliban targets while civilians struggled to leave the region.
"They (Taliban) are on the run and trying to block the exodus of civilians" said Major General Athar Abbas, the Pakistan army's chief spokesman, in his first press briefing on Friday since armed forces jets early in the morning began pounding Taliban positions. General Abbas said the military campaign could "take time as militants are using civilians as human shields" -- without specifying the time frame.
In a related development, there were growing signs of the human catastrophe emerging from Swat, as thousands of people fled to the relative safety of other areas. U.N. officials warned that the fighting was likely to displace a large number of people whose living conditions could aggravate rapidly as there weren't enough preparations to cater for their needs.
"There is just not enough preparation in other cities outside Swat to care for these people" said one U.N. official in Islamabad who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity. "If there is a long drawn conflict, there could be a major humanitarian crisis built around people from Swat," the official said.
Raheem Khan, a refugee who fled from Swat and arrived in Islamabad, told a harrowing account of conditions in the region. "There are food shortages which are becoming more and more acute every day" he told CBS News in an interview. "In areas where there is active exchange of fire between the Taliban and the army, it is not possible for many people to come out of their homes," he said.
The fighting in Swat was stepped up on Thursday night when Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani announced on Pakistan's national television that "In order to restore honor and dignity of our homeland and to protect the people, the armed forces have been called in to eliminate the militants and terrorists".
But western diplomats said the decision to step up the fight was taken after U.S. leaders, including President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton urged Pakistan's leaders to abandon efforts for negotiating with the Taliban.
This followed a controversial attempt by the Pakistani government earlier this year to agree to enforce Islamic laws in Swat and its surrounding region in return for promises by leaders of the Taliban to disarm. However, they later reneged on their promises in spite of the government announcing a new system of Islamic justice.
(AP)
A young boy cries as he waits for his father, in a truck at a refugee camp in Mardan, in northwest Pakistan, Thursday, May 7, 2009. Thousands of residents are fleeing fighting between the army and Taliban militants in the Swat Valley, in Pakistan`s northwest.
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The world cringes as more violence erupts against the insurgent Taliban. A rag tagged group of locals, with home made weapons- taped together garage fashioned ROCKETS and small guns make out of popsicle sticks , nai files for knives and sticks and bricks, but in total fire power no match for the US supported Pakistani army.
"This disproportionate use of FORCE against a group of indigenous Muslims must stop." Demanded Peace leaders, in a historic signed statement, from the world capstone of ideas, Universities and KPFK radio station, marching in solidarity with grassroots peace activists, joining together after a late dinner for song and safe sex solidarity .
By UN count, these PEACE LOVING Talibanians kept awake by night time bombings, these hapless students , so called "insurgents" have lost over 2500 people including 699 children, all cute, and 1888 women, all pregnant.
The Pakistan Army reports no deaths, and only minor injury to one male soldier during staffing of a Talibanian school for girls, during prayer, at mid day, and also during a funeral, at mid day.
"The land in dispute must be given to the historical rightful peoples." Taliban leaders pleaded for help and support in their peaceful quest for justice. " What kind of people would allow these army thugs to take away their heritage lands. My grand father once had relations with a goat on this very hill." Cried Alfonla Bur Yupmysssa.
The international community will be hosting a special DERBIN III session next week , to focus on the PLIGHT OF THE TALIBINiaNS. All NGOs with power point invited, lunch provided.
WHEN WILL THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE END ? Can't the Pakistanis just give up these territories for PEACE?? The Talibineans may not even promise to be good, but hey who is at fault here ?
And Bush was criticized for pouring water on their faces.
Clarification: The Pakistani Military leaders are accusing the Taliban of using civilians as shields to cover their escape from the Pakistani army.
Posted by azulene
Didn't read the story, did ya?
The Pakistani Military leaders are accusing the Taliban of using civilians as shields to cover their escape from the Taliban army.
Talking points...lmao
It's ok, your stupidity, and laziness is amuzing.
Now go to rushlimbaugh.fatarse, and get Saturday's talking points.
Posted by nancy_naive
Only if the family wants it photographed.
;-)
_________________________________________________
I am not sure what point you are trying to make. Maybe my not being sure of your point actually does make sense ......
Why do they need human shields???
What are they afraid of?
Actually I just realized that I answered my own questions.....