The deal was scrapped because of Pakistani failure to stop US drone attacks against the Taliban [EPA]

The fighters in North Waziristan blamed continuing US military assaults and the Pakistani army offensive in the region against them for their decision on Tuesday.

"This accord is being scrapped because of Pakistan's failure to stop the American drone attacks in North and South Waziristan," Ahmadullah Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, told the Associated Press by telephone.

"Since the army is attacking us in North and South Waziristan, we will also attack them."

'Serious concerns'

The announcement came after 27 Pakistan soldiers and officers were killed in a Taliban ambush on a Pakistan military convoy in North Waziristan.

Pulling out of the peace deal, reached in February 2008, has raised the prospect of wider unrest as the Pakistani army extends its efforts to crush the Taliban.

US officials have criticised peace deals with the fighters or tribes representing them in the border region, saying they allow the Taliban to gain strength.

The agreement in North Waziristan had appeared to keep things relatively peaceful there - calmer than in neighbouring South Waziristan, where the army is preparing for a major offensive against Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.

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