PESHAWAR, July 20: United Nations agencies have suspended their operations in South and North Waziristan and southern districts of the province following the kidnapping of staff of the World Health Organisation on July 17, officials said.

"A WHO double-cabin Datsun pickup was intercepted by more than a dozens militants between Ghazalmai bridge and Dattakhel in Miramshah, North Waziristan, and they detained the doctor and two other staff travelling with him as their hostages for five hours," said a WHO official based at Peshawar.

Dr Kaleemullah, Surveillance Officer of the WHO/PEI (Polio Eradication Initiative) along with local polio supervisor and driver, were driven to a place where they were kept hostage for five hours.

"We have received directives from the UN Security Coordinator to suspend operations in North and South Waziristan and southern districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat and Bannu," officials said.