Two intelligence officials say a military ground offensive has started in Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal region.
The officials say the operation began early on Saturday in the region, a major stronghold of al-Qaida and the Taliban.
They gave few details but said Taliban positions were being targeted by ground troops.
One said air strikes were also being used.
Pakistan has spent months using airstrikes against militant targets in the region to soften up their defenses ahead of a ground operation.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media on the record.
