Sleeping gas used before storming

The Russian elite forces pumped sleeping gas into the building to neutralise many of the terrorists in advance. First television reports from inside the building showed many of the rebels slumped in seats in the auditorium, apparently shot dead after succumbing to the gas.

“You ask me if we used gas or not. Well, I am authorised to say that special means were used,” Vasilyev said. “That allowed us…to neutralise the kamikaze women who were strapped with explosives.”

“We have only been given general information that it was anincapacitating or calming agent but we do not know specifically the nature of the substance,” U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow said.

The gas also affected many of the hostages, and doctors suggested that some of them may have died from choking on their own vomit. (Agencies)