MINGORA, Pakistan, May 5 (UPI) -- An expected Pakistani military offensive in the Swat Valley may prompt 500,000 civilians to flee the area ahead of the fighting, government officials say.
Islamabad's moves to launch a major offensive against Taliban militants in the North West Frontier Province are being preceded by warnings from officials to civilians to evacuate the Swat Valley, CNN reported.
Authorities told the U.S. broadcaster they are setting up six new refugee camps near existing camps around the provincial capital of Peshawar. Evacuation orders for the Swat district city of Mingora have been issued.
CNN said Taliban militants were marching in the streets and threatening the lives of civilians and local administrators.
Swat District Coordination Officer Khushal Khan told CNN "there will be no time" for further evacuations after Wednesday.
