(CNN) -- Pakistan's much-awaited military offensive in North Waziristan was launched more than a week ago, and followed an attack on Karachi airport that left at least 36 people dead. Due to the strategic calculations of the Pakistani state, North Waziristan has steadily fallen into the hands of motley militant networks, and has become a mountainous zone for the Pakistani Taliban to recruit, regroup and launch attacks against the country. The Pakistani Army conducted a similar operation in the Swat Valley in 2009, not too far from the tribal areas, that has been a relative success in reclaiming territory. It is unclear which direction the latest operation will go. But a major humanitarian crisis is brewing in the wake of the new offensive.
@highlight
Hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing North Waziristan
@highlight
Rumi: Government has been slow to act to avert humanitarian crisis
@highlight
Army launched strikes in retaliation for Pakistan Taliban attack on airport
@highlight
Civilians caught in the crackdown are crowding nearby town of Bannu
@placeholder town is straining under the pressure of a massive population influx.
The government has established one camp in @placeholder, but many more facilities are needed, especially during the hot summer season.