ISLAMABAD, July 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 50 armed personnel are dead while 50 others have surrendered amongst the inmates of Lal Masjid, or Red Mosqu, in the operation launched early Tuesday by Pakistani security forces, the military said.

Addressing a news briefing here, Pakistani army spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad said 13 of the 50 people who surrendered were injured.

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

So far eight security personnel died and 29 others were injured in the operation, he said.

The spokesman said the security forces were facing severe resistance as the militants are well trained and well equipped.

"The militants are using rocket launchers, machine guns and hand grenades," Arshad said.

Earlier in the morning, officials said the operation could last three to four hours.

But Local TV screen shows that operation started on around 4 a.m. Tuesday (2300 GMT Monday) is still continuing.

Arshad said the security forces were exercising restraint to avoid colossal damage and are moving ahead in a careful and planned manner.

He said resistance of the militants spread in several parts of the compound that includes 75 rooms of the Lal Masjid complex, stairs, minarets of the mosque and basements.

Officials said security forces have rescued a total of 26 women and three children, who according to local TV channels included wife of Maulana Abdul Aziz, the Lal Masjid's chief.

Troops started the a full-fledged operation in the wee hours Tuesday morning as a talk negotiated through religious scholars failed to convince the defiant armed personnel inside Lal Masjid to surrender.