The United Nations says that over 200,000 people in northwestern Pakistan have fled their homes to escape fighting between Taliban rebels and government forces. The UN is warning that it does not have enough funds to deal with all the refugees.

The Pakistani army says its soldiers have killed at least 40 Taliban rebels in the fighting in the region. Four Pakistani soldiers are also said to have been killed. The fighting broke out when a force of 200 Taliban soldiers attacked a military checkpoint.

The Pakistani army has been targetting Taliban rebels since March, ever since they fled the turbulent region of South Waziristan. Last year, Pakistan mounted a military offensive against Taliban forces in the region.