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the BBC's correspondents are leaning towards the theory (based on what they and other eye witnesses saw) that the security forces were taken by surprise when some of the hostages attempted a break out, the terrorists fired on them, and then exploded some of their mines. Their reaction was, apparently, extremely quick and may have saved some lives.
I think it's likely the terrorists never intended to let most of the hostages go. They had taken no care of the children, not allowing them food or water nor allowing them to visit the bathrooms (according again to what is being said on the spot and reported on the BBC).
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