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Islamabad: The US on Wednesday offered to help Pakistanis displaced by an army operation against Islamic militants in a northwest tribal region bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistani officials have said more than 200,000 have fled the Bajaur tribal region, the primary focus of the nearly two-week-old offensive, and the neighbouring Mohmand tribal area. Many have landed in relief camps set up by the government and political parties.
US Embassy spokesman Lou Fintor said, "We stand ready to offer humanitarian assistance to the government of Pakistan, if requested, in regards to the situation in the tribal regions." He would not offer specifics about the assistance that would be provided.
Nearly 500 people have been killed in the fighting so far, according to Pakistani officials. The numbers and scope of the situation have been difficult to confirm because of the area's remote and dangerous nature.
The US offer indicated American officials were watching the situation with growing concern. But it also came as the US seeks to strengthen its ties to the new ruling coalition, which this week managed to force longtime American ally Pervez Musharraf to quit as president.
Bajaur is considered a potential hiding place for Osama bin Laden and Al Qaida No. 2 Ayman Al Zawahri. Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik said last week that Pakistani intelligence has reports that about 3,000 armed militants are present in Bajaur.
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