DHAKA: Pakistan's military says it has killed at least 910 suspected militants since launching an offensive in the tribal area of North Waziristan in June.

Some 82 soldiers had died fighting the insurgents there and in raids across the country, the statement said.

The army said the main towns in North Waziristan, which had been a Taliban stronghold, were now under its control.

Media access is blocked in tribal areas near the Afghan border and there is no independent confirmation of the claims.

The army statement was released amid mounting anti-government protests in the capital. The military says it is not taking sides in the crisis.

The long-awaited offensive against the Pakistani Taliban finally began after the collapse of peace talks between the militants and the government.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0853 HRS, SEP 8, 2014