Bush approves ground operations in Pakistan: Report

Washington, Sept.11 : U.S. President George W Bush has secretly approved orders allowing US forces to conduct ground operations in Pakistan without that government's prior approval, media reports say.

The New York Times has reported Special Operations forces will be allowed to carry out assaults within the borders of a key ally in the so-called "war on terror".

The move marks a turn for the Bush administration, which has struggled with Islamabad over how to combat Al Qaeda and a resurgent Taliban.

US officials are reported as saying they will notify Pakistan when the United States conducts operations on the country's territory, but that they will not ask for permission.

Earlier Pakistan's army chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, said no foreign troops would be allowed to conduct operations inside his country.

ANI