The army in Pakistan has accused the Taliban of using 2000 civilians as human shields to prevent an impending operation by its troops against them.
The military wants to clear the Taliban from an important religious shrine in Buner district, 100km from the capital, Islamabad.
Pir Baba was one of the first places the Taliban took control of last month.
It is not possible at present to verify the army's claim.
The government is trying to stop the Taliban extending its influence beyond the Swat Valley, an area which it largely controls.
Buner is to the southeast of the Swat valley. It is part of the North West Frontier Province.
