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2014 Peshawar school massacre

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Sim(ã)o(n) (talk | contribs) at 16:06, 16 December 2014 (Again, corrected number of injuries. Where did you hear 245? Euronews says just 114!). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2014 Peshawar Army School Attack
File:Pakistan-school.jpg
Rescued children escorted to safety by Pakistan Army.
LocationThe Army Public School, Warsak Road, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Date16 December 2014
11:00 am PST[1] – (UTC+05:00)
TargetSchool staff and students
Attack type
Suicide bombing,[2] spree killing, hostage-taking, school shooting
Deaths132
Injured114[3]
Victimsunknown number of hostages
Perpetrators6 members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan[4]

On 16 December 2014, six gunmen belonging to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan[4][5] entered an Army Public School in the Pakistani city of Peshawar and held the school staff and students hostage.[6] More than 132 people, mostly children between the ages of 10 and 18 years old[5][7][8] were killed while 114 of them have been injured[3] and were admitted to the Combined Military and Lady Reading Hospitals of the city.[4][9] Most of the 500 students were evacuated by the army.[5] The operation ended after all six of the terrorists were killed early Tuesday evening.[10]

This was the worst terrorist attack in Pakistan since the 2007 Karachi bombing.[11]

Background

The Army Public School is located at Warsak Road near Cantonment, Peshawar, which is part of Army Public Schools & Colleges System that runs 146 schools in Pakistan.[2]

Attack

The attack began at around noon when six gunmen,[2] dressed in uniforms of the Pakistani Frontier Corps,[4] entered the school from the back through a cemetery adjacent to the school[4], after scaling its walls. Before entering the school the terrorists set fire to vehicles, then indiscriminately opened fire with automatic weapons[1] in the central auditorium of the school, where children were gathered for a school function.[4][12]

Six terrorists were killed by the security forces after clearing the school. The security forces slowed down the operation due to the risk of IEDs planted by the terrorist within the school premises.[1]

Responsibility

The spokesperson of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Mohammad Omar Khorasani, took the responsibility for the attack and said it was revenge for Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the Pakistani army's offensive in North Waziristan started in summer 2014.[12] He said that TTP wants the army to feel their pain as they have killed their families and women.[13]

"Our six fighters successfully entered the army school and we are giving them instructions from outside," Khorasani said over phone. "The TTP has taken this extreme step as revenge. We will target every institution linked to the army unless they stop operations and the extra-judicial killing of our detainees. Our detainees are being killed and their bodies are thrown on roads. We have instructed our men not to harm small children even if they are the sons of senior military or civilian leaders."[14]

Reaction

Domestic

These are my children and it is my loss.

— Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan

The Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the attack calling it a national tragedy and has left for Peshawar to monitor the operation;[12][13] he announced a three-day mourning period during which the national flag will fly at half mast.[15]

The President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, has condemned the attack, saying "such cowardly attacks cannot deter the morale and resolve of the nation".[16]

Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Altaf Hussain, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehrik leader Tahirul Qadri have condemned the attack.[12]

International

  • France France - President Francois Hollande in a statement condemned the attack saying "No words can express the ignominy of such an attack against children in their school and that France supported the government of Pakistan in their fight against terrorism" and expressed solidarity with the victims and their parents." [18]
  • India India - Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack. “It is a senseless act of unspeakable brutality that has claimed lives of the most innocent of human beings - young children in their school.” Modi said on his Twitter account. “My heart goes out to everyone who lost their loved ones today. We share their pain & offer our deepest condolences.“[20]
  • Sri Lanka Sri Lanka - President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemned the attack. "Horrified to learn of the Peshawar terrorist attack. Targeting of children is most cowardice. Our thoughts & prayers are with Pakistan." Rajapaksa said on his Twitter account.[30]
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom - British Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the attack and expressed deep shock at the tragedy. "The news from Pakistan is deeply shocking. It's horrifying that children are being killed simply for going to school." Cameron said on his Twitter account.[31]
  • United States United States - President Barack Obama in a statement said "The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today's horrific attack... By targeting students and teachers in this heinous attack, terrorists have once again shown their depravity."[33]
  • US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson condemned the attack in a statement, saying "The United States strongly condemns senseless and inhumane attacks on innocent students and educators, and stands in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, and all who fight the menace of terrorism." [34]
  • Secretary of State John Kerry said "the perpetrators of this act of terror must be brought to justice."[35]

Non-government agencies

  • United Nations United Nations - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack saying "An act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenseless children while they learn. No cause can justify such brutality. No grievance can excuse such horror. Getting an education is every child's right. Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery."[36]
  • United Nations representative in Pakistan Timo Pakkala in a statement said it is "appalled by this act of cruelty and brutality. Attacking children and children’s education is a disregard of the most fundamental principles of humanity and we reaffirm our strongest commitment to protecting children’s rights."[37] Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said "Nowhere in the world should it be an act of bravery for a child to attend school. Yet, in parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria simply showing up at school takes tremendous courage and determination. In recent years, my staff have been receiving increasing frequent reports in these three countries of schools being destroyed or closed because of militants' threats, and of schoolchildren - especially girls -- being kidnapped, shot, attacked with acid or poisoned by groups whose ideology bears no resemblance to any religion or any cultural norm."[38]
  • David Griffiths, Deputy Director for Amnesty International Asia-Pacific "There can be absolutely no justification for targeting children in this way. This unconscionable Taliban attack is a grave reminder that civilians in north-west Pakistan desperately need effective protection from militant groups."[39]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "A horrific attack at a Peshawar school shows where the heaviest burden of terrorism lies". QUARTZ India. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  2. ^ a b c "TALIBAN ATTACK ARMY-RUN SCHOOL IN PESHAWAR". Newsweek Pakistan. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Pakistan Taliban 'kill over 100' in Peshawar school attack". Euronews. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Peshawar school attack: Over 100 killed in Pakistani Taliban attack, hundreds of students hostage". DNA India. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "Pakistan Taliban kill scores in Peshawar school massacre". BBC News. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  6. ^ "Peshawar school hostage crisis updates". The Express Tribune. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  7. ^ "26 killed as terrorists attack Peshawar school". Samaa News. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  8. ^ "At least 84 children killed in Taliban school attack in Pakistan: official". Reuters. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  9. ^ "Taliban kills at least 104 people in attack on Pakistan military school". Los Angeles Times. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "Peshawar school attack: Pakistan authorities claim all Taliban attackers are dead". International Business Times. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  11. ^ "At least 126, mostly children, slaughtered as Taliban storm Pakistan school". CNN. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ a b c d "500 students held hostage at Peshawar school by militants; 50 students killed". Pakistan Today. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  13. ^ a b "84 children among 104 dead in Taliban attack on Peshawar school". India Today. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  14. ^ "TTP claim responsibility for Peshawar school attack". The Express Tribune. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  15. ^ "At least 126 dead in Taliban school attack in Peshawar". ARY News. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  16. ^ "84 killed, 83 injured as army-run public school attacked in NW Pakistan". Xinhua. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  17. ^ "Quotes Reacting to Pakistan Attacks". ABC News. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  18. ^ "Hollande condemns 'vile' Peshawar school attack". Business Recorder. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  19. ^ "Pakistan school attack: live updates". Deutsche Welle. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  20. ^ "PM Narendra Modi condemns Peshawar terror attack". Zee News. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  21. ^ "President, PM condemn Peshawar school attack". India Gazette. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  22. ^ "Home Minister Rajnath Singh condemns terrorist attack in Peshawar school". First Post. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  23. ^ "India Slams Inhuman Attack on Peshawar School Children". International Business Times, India. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  24. ^ "India Slams Inhuman Attack on Peshawar School Children". International Business Times, India. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  25. ^ "Congress leader Amarinder Singh condemns attack on Peshawar school". DNA India. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  26. ^ "Omar Abdullah condemns Taliban attack in Pakistan school". Zee News. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  27. ^ "Omar Abdullah condemns Taliban attack in Pakistan school". Zee News. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  28. ^ "Politicos condemn Peshawar school terror attack, call it 'senseless act of unspeakable brutality'". Zee News. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  29. ^ "Pakistan, Renzi: attentato a scuola orrore inconcepibile. Il mondo reagisca". Il Messaggero. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  30. ^ "Mahinda slams Peshawar attack". Colombo Gazette. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  31. ^ "Taliban Storms School In Peshawar, Pakistan; Kills Over 100, Including 84 Children". International Business Times. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  32. ^ "Peshawar Attack: Tragic List Of Children Killed In School Massacre Emerges". Huffington Post UK. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  33. ^ "Peshawar Attack: Tragic List Of Children Killed In School Massacre Emerges". Huffington Post UK. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  34. ^ "Ambassador Olson Extends Condolences to Families of Army Public School Attack Victims". Embassy of United States, Islamabad. Embassy of United States, Islamabad. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  35. ^ "World leaders condemn attack on school in Pakistan". RTÉ. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  36. ^ "World leaders condemn Pakistan school massacre". World Bulletin. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  37. ^ "Taliban Kill at Least 130, Mostly Students, at Pakistan Military School". Voice of America. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  38. ^ "Quotes reacting to Pakistan attacks". Daily Mail UK. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  39. ^ "Quotes reacting to Pakistan attacks". Daily Mail UK. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
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