The deadliest hostage crisis ever in Russia has ended tragically after a 50-hour standoff. Itar-Tass news agency, citing the latest data, reports the ensuing death toll has mounted up to 330.
In the republic's hospitals, there are currently 423 wounded, of which 237 are children.
Prelimary data shows 260, who were possibly among the hostages, are listed as missing.
President Vladimir Putin declared September 6th and 7th as days of mourning in Russia. In a televised broadcast to the nation Saturday, he said "What we witness is a direct intervention by international terrorism, an all-out, cruel and full-scale war that again and again claims the lives of our compatriots."
The tragedy in North Ossetia gave rise to deep-felt sympathy for Russia on part of world leaders, stressing closer global efforts in the fight against terrorism.
US President George W. Bush has said "This is yet another grim reminder of the lengths to which terrorists will go to threaten the civilized world."
The operation to end the three-day hostage crisis at a school in southwest Russia ended in chaos and bloodshed on Friday. Chechen militants were holding hundreds of captives, many of whom were children.