Pakistani army started launched a ground assault in North Waziristan tribal area on Monday, beginning a new phase in its offensive against Taliban militants.

Pakistani army started launched a ground assault in North Waziristan tribal area on Monday, beginning a new phase in its offensive against Taliban militants.

Officials said troops moved on Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, on Monday morning after two weeks of air strikes and artillery bombardment of insurgent targets.

Security officials in Miranshah told AFP troops moved on the town after six hours of artillery shelling.

"They are using tanks and armored vehicles for ground movement," a security official said on condition of anonymity.

"The forces have also taken over the civil hospital in Miranshah and have destroyed four hideouts in the artillery firing."

Other security officials in Peshawar, the main city of northwest Pakistan, confirmed the advance, saying forces had also moved on the town of Mir Ali.