The Laughing Wolf

Russian School Hostage Crisis

Terrorists have seized a school in Beslan, Russia, and have herded the children and adults into the gym. The gym is now reportedly mined and at least some of the terrorists are purported to be wearing explosives. More here, here, here, and here. This could be very, very ugly. Stay tuned.

LW

UPDATE: Go to News From Russia for regular updates, including this one on a new terror alert for the Moscow subway system. There are other reports coming out that say that the terrorists are threating to murder 20 children for every one of their own killed. Again, I don't believe in coincidence and don't like the pattern that is emerging and not just in Russia. There appears to be a definite upswing in activity around the world, and that is troubling. Let's be careful out there...

Probably not related, but odd and noted...

Also, you can check Interfax for updates.

UPDATE: Fox News just broadcast a report stating that the terrorists have murdered eight people at the school. No word on how many, or if any, were children. Update to the update: The reports now indicate that these were killed in the initial takeover, and appear to include parents and others who tried to defend the children.

A Hard Dilemma: There are reports coming out that children are escaping from the school, which is both good news and bad news. The good is obvious, the bad is less so. If children are escaping from the gym, and the terrorists realize it, they can seal off the means of escape. Even as they do this, however, they are going to get more and more upset -- and possibly even less rational. It also drops the number of hostages, which makes it easier for a small group of terrorists to guard them. It also provides them ideas on ways in which teams can infiltrate the building to take out the terrorists and rescue the hostages. This gives them intel on potential ops as well as the ability to set up ambushes. If the children escaping are coming from elsewhere in the school, this needs to be reported so as to ease tensions within the gym and provide those outside with some flexibility. Yes, I am aware that the terrorists may not have access to outside news, but have you considered that they could be in touch with those who can relay such?

UPDATE: According to this story there appears to be a lull right now, with no changes in demands and no real "news" going on. I have to go out for a bit, but will try to keep up with this through Russian sources and link what I can when I can. LW

UPDATE: According to News From Russia, there are 132 children being held hostage, and negotiations are apparently are underway. No new information otherwise. I am taking this report that the children are being treated well with a huge grain of salt, especially given this earlier report.

UPDATE: Thanks to On The Third Hand, here is a Russian speaker doing a far better job than I am on covering this.

Backcountry Conservative has a good roundup of the coverage.

END
Updates by day here and here. Some food for thought is here. Aftermath and some commentary is here. I also suggest that you click here and scroll down to find the latest information on this story in case this update segment is not updated regularly.