After several months of ineffectual negotiations with tribal leaders, Pakistan has launched a major military offensive against Al Qaeda and foreign militants in South Waziristan. Sunday, Pakistani gunship helicopters and jet fighters bombarded hideouts as troops and guerrillas engaged in fierce gun battles. The Army said that at least 55 militants and 17 soldiers were killed since the fighting began Wednesday; but tribesmen fear the toll could be much higher, saying that both sides took heavy losses in remote areas.Full Story