Islamabad: At least 15 Pakistani soldiers and more than 35 al-Qaeda militants were killed as the Army backed by heavy artillery and helicopters attacked militant hide-outs in the tribal South Waziristan region near Afghanistan border today (June 11, 2004). . The early-morning strike, as part of a continued offensive by Pakistan Army to flush out militants from the tribal region, triggered a fierce gunbattle between the Government forces and Qaeda-backed fighters.

"Today we responded appropriately to the latest unprovoked attacks by the terrorists," Pakistan Army spokesman General Shaukat Sultan said. "As a result of the fire fight that ensued, the miscreants lost over 35 men, whereas the security forces lost 15. The Government was left with no choice but to respond in order to establish its writ and eliminate these foreign elements," Pakistan military said in a separate statement.

Reports about the operation, which is on its third day, said the army was targeting the hide-outs with artillery and mortars and helicopters were seen carrying out regular sorties in the area.

"The foreign elements, along with their accomplices, had not only taken the local population hostage but were also a nuisance for the entire area. They forcibly occupied a civilian compound and used women and children as human shield and the security forces had to respond in self defence," the statement said.