World Bulletin / News Desk

Hundreds crossed from Pakistan's northeastern tribal region into neighboring Afghanistan on Monday, to escape a curfew enforced by security forces in the North Waziristan region.

The curfew follows a roadside bomb attack on a security convoy that killed nine troops last week.

"Things have become severe as there has been a serious shortage of food and other essential commodities in the region due to no break in the curfew in last four days," Samiullah Dawar, a resident of border town Ghulam Khan, told Anadolu Agency.

He said some 500 tribesmen had crossed into Afghanistan because of the curfew. Local journalist Haji Gul said many families from Ghulam Khan town often moved across the border and return when situations stabilize.

The army launched the curfew on Friday, banning all transport, as they searched for militants in the area. Many beleive it has damaged the prospects of suspended peace talks with the Taliban being resumed.

The peace process began in January and was suspended last month after the Taliban ended a 40-day ceasefire, blaming security forces for carrying out "silent" operations against them.