Terror Strikes School Children

The nightmare in the military school of Peshawar Pakistan began (11 am) with a car exploding behind the school walls diverting the schools security guards’ attention. The terrorists gunmen then got over the wall one by one and ran through the class rooms where students of grades eight, nine and ten were having their late morning classes. Authorities stated that the attackers’ goal was to kill only – not take captives.

Some adults were also targeted, including a 28-year-old school office assistant who was shot and burnt alive.

The attack on a military owned high school attended by more than 1,100 children of Pakistani army personnel, struck at the heart of Pakistan’s strong military base. Most of the children killed were between the ages of 12 and 16. The Taliban militants came in with enough ammo and explosive supplies to last for days and were not expecting to come out alive, a Pakistani military official confirmed.

Wounded children taken to nearby hospitals told Reuters most victims were shot in the head and died instantly when gunmen entered the compound and opened fire indiscriminately on boys, girls and their teachers.

“One of my teachers was crying, she was shot in the hand and she was crying in pain,” said Shahrukh Khan, 15, who was shot in both legs but survived by hiding under a bench.

“One terrorist then walked up to her and started shooting her until she stopped making any sound. All around me my friends were lying injured and dead.” added Shahrukh.

The Taliban, waging war against Pakistan in order to topple the government and set up an Islamic state, immediately claimed responsibility.

“We selected the army’s school for the attack because the government is targeting our children and women,” said a Taliban spokesman.

“We want them to feel our pain.”