Pakistan begins crackdown on Taliban near Peshawar

Islamabad: Pakistani security forces on Saturday began an offensive against Taliban militants in the Khyber tribal region.

A senior security official said the offensive has so far been concentrated in Bara town near the Afghan border.

"Curfew has been imposed in Bara. All roads leading to Bara has been closed," the official said.

The Taliban are reportedly threatening the main northwestern city of Peshawar, attacking shops in broad daylight.

"The operation against the miscreants is going on smoothly. There has been no resistance, so far. No casualties, so far," said Malik Naveed Khan, the police chief of North West Frontier Province.