On September 29, 2004, Russian forces ended a three-day hostage crisis at a school in Beslan, North Ossetia, resulting in a bloody assault. Over 1,100 people, including children and teachers, were taken hostage by armed militants seeking to force political concessions from the Russian government. The siege ended in violence, with over 330 people killed, including 186 children. The Russian governments response to the crisis was criticized for its heavy-handedness and lack of coordination. The Beslan tragedy remains a symbol of the dangers posed by terrorism in Russia.