Pakistani Taliban fighters have attacked a military-run school in Peshawar, in northwest Pakistan, in a raid that is thought to have killed at least 16 children and two adults. The death toll is difficult to confirm as many of the bodies remain inside the school as security forces try to retake it from the attackers, Al Jazeera sources said. Hospital sources told Al Jazeera at least 35 more people had been wounded in Tuesday's attack on the school. Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital confirmed that there were four bodies at the hospital. A journalist at the scene in Peshawar said the toll was likely to rise. "The situation is very grim. According to inside sources at least ten children have died and the fighting is ongoing," Zahir Shah Sherazi said.
"All the roads leading to this area have been cordoned off. We don't have a clear idea what is going on inside, but some sources are saying there are more bodies lying inside." A spokesman for a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Pakistani Taliban, said the attackers had been ordered to shoot older students at the school. Military officials said at least six armed men entered the Army Public School and that about 500 students and teachers were believed to be inside. The attack began at about 11am local time (06:00 GMT). An initial blast as the attackers hit the school was followed by a second explosion a short time later. Small-arms fire has been heard throughout the raid as security forces continue to try to retake the school. A heavy contingent of security forces arrived at the school shortly after the attack began and the operation is ongoing.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/12/fighters-attack-army-run-school-pakistan-20141216742794184.html |