Authorities declared a curfew Monday in a remote northwestern town after three days of fighting between Pakistani security forces and pro-Taliban militants. Intelligence reports and accounts from arrested fighters indicate more than 100 people have died, the Associated Press quoted officials as saying. Clashes continued Monday in the North Waziristan tribal region, and thousands of residents joined an exodus out of the main town of Miran Shah. Sikandar Qayyum, additional secretary security for Pakistan's tribal areas, told reporters in the northwestern city of Peshawar that based on intelligence reports and questioning of some injured and arrested militants, authorities believed more than 100 militants had been killed. But army spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan said he could only confirm 53 deaths, including five security forces. Qayyum said the curfew would last indefinitely except for three hours in the afternoon to enable residents to buy provisions.
