ISLAMABAD, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has directed troops to continue operation against hard-line Lal Masjid till mission accomplished, the private DAWN NEWS TV channel reported Tuesday.

    TV reports said around 60 militants have been killed by security forces so far in the operation, launched in the wee hours of Tuesday after a talk negotiated through religious scholars failed to convince the besieged mosque armed personnel to surrender.

    Pakistani army confirmed that eight soldiers died and 29 others were injured in the intense fighting.

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

    TV screen shows that more commandos have been called into Lal Masjid operation, which is being supervised by a lieutenant general.

    Troops have controlled most parts of the Lal Masjid mosque and seminary compound, which includes some 75 rooms and basements, Arshas said.