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May 31, 2009

Red Cross Alarmed by Situation in Pakistani War Zone
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2486103:A6F02AD83191E160AFC2310B0DC08A56A13B8D4F2090AB2B&
 
International Committee of the Red Cross stated Sunday that it is
gravely concerned about the plight of civilians in Swat, where the
Pakistani military is waging war against Taliban fighters 
Pakistani displaced children wait their turn during food distribution at
Jalozai refugee camp in Peshawar, 25 May 2009 Red Cross officials have
completed their first assessment of the humanitarian needs of people in
Pakistan's Swat Valley, where they say the situation is alarming. The
International Committee of the Red Cross stated Sunday that it is
gravely concerned about the plight of civilians in Swat, where the
Pakistani military is waging war against Taliban fighters. Red Cross
worker Daniel O'Malley said people have been blocked in the battleground
for weeks. He said food is scarce, and that there is no running water,
electricity or fuel for generators. O'Malley led the Red Cross team on
its first visit to Swat since the army began its offensive there last
month. Major General Athar Abbas (File photo)Pakistani Defense Secretary
Syed Athar Ali said Sunday the offensive could be over within two or
three days. The military launched the offensive in the Swat Valley and
surrounding districts last month after militants violated a peace deal
by advancing close to the capital, Islamabad. The United Nations says
more than 2.5 million people have fled their homes since the fighting
began. Meanwhile, Pakistani intelligence officials said Sunday the
military has killed at least 40 Taliban militants along the Afghan
border. The officials said at least two government soldiers died in the
fighting in South Waziristan.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. 


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