School Children, Adults and Teachers Held Hostage in Russia

BESLAN, RUSSIA | A bloody end to the siege; chaos, serious injuries and dead bodies are the results as militants initiated the end of this stand-off. The death toll stands at over 350.

A mass hostage-taking situation began on Wednesday after special ceremonies celebrating the new school year were ending. Students, teachers and some parents were herded into the school gym. Some, being used as human shields, were made to stand in front of windows. The heat was stifling and no water was given to the captives for days. Approximately 20 militants with explosives strapped to their bodies were demanding the withdrawal of troops from Chechnya and the release of Chechnian rebel prisoners.

Negotiations were attempted; some hostages being released but the militants swore to blow up the school if officials used force to take back the school. President Putin promised to do all he could to save lives. Parents stood outside police barricades and accused the government of failing to protect their children.

Friday, the militants began shooting, explosions were heard and the troops stormed the school. The militants began shooting hostages as they ran away. An explosion caused a roof to collapse causing dozens of additional deaths.

The question of, ‘Could this have been prevented?’ and ‘How can the government protect its children in the future?’ is being investigated.