The military was not available for comment on the Taliban’s move Monday in Bajur region, which is a major transit route for militants traveling to fight U.S. and NATO forces in neighboring Afghanistan.

It follows the introduction of an already week-old cease-fire between the government and militants in the Swat Valley, another northwestern region, in support of a peace process there.

The United States and other Western governments have criticized the Swat truce and negotiations, saying they could create a safe haven for al-Qaida and Taliban in the region.

Unlike in Swat, the Taliban in Bajur had been losing ground in recent months, most analysts say, and the military has several times claimed to be close to victory.

Taliban commander Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, announced the cease-fire in a radio broadcast.

"We have decided to observe a cease-fire," he said. "I direct all of my fighters to stop armed actions against the government," he said. "We will take strict action against anyone who violates the order."