Russia Hostage Death Toll Said to Top 200

[0rion]

By MIKE ECKEL

BESLAN, Russia (AP) - Commandos stormed a school Friday in southern Russia and overcame separatist rebels holding hundreds of hostages as crying children, some naked and covered in blood, fled the building through explosions and gunfire. Health officials said more than 200 people died, the Interfax news agency reported.

Ninety-five victims were identified - many of them children whose shattered, bloodied bodies were placed on lines of stretchers - and Interfax quoted unnamed sources in the regional Health Ministry as saying more than 200 people were killed by fire from the militants or died from their wounds.

Russia Hostage Death Toll Said to Top 200

[nostamj]

1. but but but....

the world is a SAFER place with commander bunnypants in charge...

didn't they get the memo? /sarcasm OFF

seriously, this is a horrible tragedy. and part of an escalating pattern of violence and death since * began his 'war on terra'

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. All in the name of "God" and/or patriotism.

I wish all these morons would find a new God who wasn't so intent on murder (that goes for the Christians and Jews, too), and save their "love of country" for their families or humanity.

[jimshoes]

3. That is so sad,

my heart goes out to all the innocents. I would like to know what prompted this hostage situation. Will we ever hear about it?

[kerry-is-my-prez]

4. That's the second time hostages have died when rescues are attempted.

Remember when all of those people died in the theatre - when commandos tired to save them? They're not too "swift" at dealing with these hostage situations there...

[Nlighten1]

5. I am a parent of 2 children.

My heart aches for the families of these kids and for the families of the Chechen children who have been killed.