ISLAMABAD, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani military spokesman Waheed Arshad Tuesday said deputy chief of Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, Abdul Rashid Ghazi might be present in the basement of the mosque or the basement of his residence.

    Arshad made the remarks while answering a question about whereabouts of Ghazi, who remained defiant inside the mosque with his hard-core armed followers.

    However, there are unconfirmed local TV channel reports saying the defiant leader of Lal Masjid has been arrested in Tuesday's operation.

    Earlier, Pakistani Minister for Interior Aftab Ahmed Sherpao has said he was unaware about arrest of Abdul Rashid Ghazi, during an interview with private Geo TV channel.

    The military has confirmed a total of 50 militants were killed while 50 others have surrendered since security forces launched operation early Tuesday against hard-line Lal Masjid personnel.

    When asked either the surrendered were students or militants, Arshad said their identities have not been confirmed.

    Eight security personnel died and 29 others were injured in the fighting against militants, he said.

    The spokesman said the operation could be a slow process as security forces were facing severe resistance as the militants are well trained and well equipped.

    Security forces after over 10 hours fighting have surpassed most parts of the Lal Masjid mosque and seminary compound, which includes some 75 rooms and basements, according to officials.

    Troops started the a full-fledged operation at around 4 a.m. Tuesday (2300 GMT Monday) as a talk negotiated through religious scholars failed to convince the defiant armed personnel inside Lal Masjid to surrender.