Cambodian Gunmen Kill Tot

Say Boy Hostage Cried Too Much; Parents Beat Gunmen As Kids Rescued

(CBS/AP)  "I'm very relieved," said Tan Seok Ho of Singapore, who rushed to the school when she heard about the crisis from a friend. Her youngest child Lyvong, 3, was among those taken and released unharmed. "I'm happy to have him back in my arms again."

The crisis unfolded at Cambodia's tourism hub of Siem Reap, home to the famed 9th-14th century ancient temple complex, and quickly drew concern from governments around the region. The town in the country's northwest brings in millions of dollars annually for the cash-strapped government and is home to hundreds of foreigners.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the yellow school house during the tense situation, and three armored personnel carriers were parked on the road.

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 hoped to find jobs in Siem Reap.

He said the hostage takers told police they decided to kidnap the children "because they believed their families are 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.

He later said $30,000 and a van were given to the gunmen, but they still refused to free the hostages and continued to demand weapons.

Then gunshots rang out from inside the building.