19:03, 1 September 2004

15 children released from captured school

Terrorists have released 15 children from the school captured at about 8:00 a.m. September 1 in Beslan, a town situated 30 kilometers north-west of Vladikavkaz, the operational headquarters reported from the scene.

According to the Interfax news agency, the action to capture the school in Beslan had been planned in Chechnya by rebel leaders Basayev and Maskhadov. A representative of Ingush security agencies announced it.

At the same time, North Osetian security agencies have information the rebel group that captured the school is under command of that very man who led the attack on Ingushetia on the night of June 21-22.

Terrorists who captured the school demand that troops should be withdrawn from Chechnya, according to recent information. This demand is in the note they threw out of the window. Besides, the terrorists insist on the release of people arrested in the aftermath of the June 21-22 rebel attack on Ingushetia.

About 400 students, parents, and teachers are reported to be among the hostages.

Source: Caucasian Knot