DHAKA: Pakistan’s military launched a ground assault in North Waziristan tribal area on Monday, beginning a new phase in its offensive against Taliban militants.

Officials said, reports The Straits Times.

Troops moved on Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, around 9.30am local time after two weeks of air strikes and artillery bombardment of insurgent targets.

Washington has long urged Islamabad to tackle militant sanctuaries in North Waziristan, a haven for Pakistani Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents.

Security officials in Miranshah told media that troops moved on the town after six hours of artillery shelling, which began at 3.30am.

BDST: 1454 HRS, JUNE 30, 2014