Peshawar Death Toll Rises; World Leaders Express Outrage

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The death toll continues to rise in the Taliban lead assault on the Peshawar Army Public School that left 126 students, from first through tenth grade, confirmed dead and another 124 injured, as the scene remains an active hostage situation.

 

In the worst Taliban assault in decades, the terrorist organization stated the children were murdered because the government refused to release Taliban solider.

News reports state Army commandoes have killed the Taliban soldiers and the scene is static with other reports of a hostage situation with as many as 34 individuals including the school principal still held captive.

Condolences, outrage and sorrow are pouring in from around the world as global leaders express condemnation, in the strongest possible language, over the attacks.

President Obama issued the following statement:"The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today's horrific attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones.  By targeting students and teachers in this heinous attack, terrorists have once again shown their depravity.  We stand with the people of Pakistan, and reiterate the commitment of the United States to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and stability in the region."

British Prime Minster David Cameron condemned the military attack in Peshawar Army issuing the following statement. "The news from Pakistan is deeply shocking. It's horrifying that children are being killed simply for going to school."

The British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also issued a statement saying there was no justification of attacking children.

"I am appalled by news of a militant attack on a school in Peshawar today and by the tragic loss of life. I send my deepest sympathy to the victims and their families," said Hammond. "Nothing can justify such a horrific attack on children going to school. The UK continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism," he said.

The United Kingdom's International Development Secretary Justine Greening  tweeted  "Horrific innocent school children in Pakistan have been killed. My thoughts with victims & families. Peshawar attack is action of cowards."

The British High Commissioner in Islamabad Philip Barton said that he was deeply saddened by the appalling Peshawar attack. My heartfelt thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong expressed deep regret and sorrow and reiterated Chinese corporation and firm support in eliminating the menace of terrorism.

India Prime Minster Narendra Modi strongly condemned the cowardly attack.

Pakistani NGO's staged a protest over the shocking massacre of innocent children.

Sources: Various