Civilian crisis intensifies as Pakistan steps up offensive

PAKISTANI warplanes bombed suspected militant positions in a stronghold close to the capital yesterday, pressing ahead with a fierce offensive that has driven hundreds of thousands from their homes, many into crowded refugee camps.

The government claimed 700 insurgents had died and the Taliban were on the run.

In one camp in the town of Mardan, just south of the battle zone in a barren field, hundreds of displaced people lined up for hours to register with the UN to get tents, food and medical treatment.