At least 15 Pakistani soldiers and more than 35 Al Qeada terrorists were killed as the army attacked terrorist hideouts in the tribal South Waziristan region on Friday.

The early morning strike, part of a continued offensive by the army to flush out terrorists from the tribal region, triggered a fierce gun battle.

"Today we responded appropriately to the latest unprovoked attacks by the terrorists," Pakistan army spokesman Major 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," the Pakistan military said in a separate statement.   

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