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The Waco siege ended 20 years ago this week, with a blaze that killed 76 people including two pregnant women and over 20 children.

The siege began on February 28, 1993, when the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) attempted to execute a search warrant at Mount Carmel Center ranch, a property of the religious group Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas.

The government suspected an extreme religious leader David Koresh of hoarding firearms and developing drugs.

The raid resulted in an intense gun battle, which last two hours and killed four agents and six Davidians.

The FBI then launched a long-term siege, attempting to negotiate with Koresh and force him to surrender his property.

The siege ended on April 19, 50 days after the initial raid, when the FBI launched a final assault was launched against Koresh.

Three fires broke out in the building, killing 76 men women and children, including sect leader Koresh.

A total of 82 people died as a result of the Waco siege.