stricken parents _ some of whom charged the hostage takers, beating three unconscious. Police shielded the fourth. All were taken into custody. The identity of the attackers was unclear, even after the standoff ended. Prime Minister Hun Sen said they appeared to be security guards at the school, but teachers later said they did not recognize them. Deputy Military Police Commander Prak Chanthoeum said they were villagers from the southwestern province of Kandal, who had come to Siem Reap in search of work. They told police they decided to prey on foreign children because they thought their parents were rich. The men originally took about 70 people but later released 30 of them, Khieu Kanharith said. They «were armed with shotguns» and had demanded money, six AK-47 assault rifles, six shotguns, grenade launchers, hand grenades and a car, said Prak Chanthoeum, who said three teachers were among those seized.
