WASHINGTON, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The United States voiced on Tuesday its support for Pakistan's storming of a radical mosque where women and children were held as human shields before the action was taken.

    "The government of Pakistan has proceeded in a responsible way on this issue," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said, noting the authorities had given "ample" opportunities for the militants to surrender peacefully through negotiations.

    "They have made a number of efforts to try and resolve this peacefully. Certainly, no one wants to see loss of life and certainly loss of innocent lives in this process," Casey said.

    "Ultimately, all governments have responsibility to preserve order and to try and take steps against terrorists and those that commit criminal actions too," the spokesman said.

    Pakistani commandos stormed the Red Mosque at dawn Tuesday after last-minute negotiations broke down. Up to 88 militants, was killed in the massive operation, including Abdul Rashid Ghazi, deputy chief of Red Mosque.

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

    Pakistan is an important counterterrorism ally of the United States in South Asia. ¡¡