PAKISTAN:The Pakistan army has launched a blistering air and ground assault on the mountain stronghold of Baitullah Mehsud, the Taliban commander accused of orchestrating the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, as a battle for control of the lawless region near the Afghan border intensifies.
The onslaught follows months of sporadic clashes in Waziristan, where Islamists have embarrassed Pakistani forces in recent weeks, and comes amid growing pressure from the US, which finances the operations against the extremists. Hundreds of soldiers supported by tanks, helicopter gunships and a multi-pronged artillery barrage encircled Mehsud's home territory in south Waziristan, sending refugees fleeing into North West Frontier province, some on foot.
The death toll was heavy but disputed. The army said it killed 40 militants and captured 30. A Mehsud spokesman said he lost seven militants but killed 25 soldiers. It was the most concerted drive yet against Mehsud.
