US Department in Bangladesh
Security forces in Bangladesh have battled militants holding dozens of hostages, including foreigners, inside a restaurant.Bangladesh security forces including 100 commandos have stormed a restaurant where dozens of people including foreigners were being held hostage by suspected Islamist militants.
A journalist at the scene said he could hear intense gunfighting as security forces launched the operation in the capital Dhaka more than 10 hours after the hostages were taken.
Two explosions were heard after the gunfire stopped and a police official told AP that at least six militants were killed.
There are reports from police that 13 hostages have been rescued three foreigners and ten Bangladeshis.
Police taken one of the Hostage
Tuhin Mohammad Masud, a commander of the elite Rapid Action Battalion which stormed the cafe, said there had been a number of casualties, including the six hostage takers.
An Islamic State linked Twitter account has reportedly released pictures of some of the hostages' dead bodies, but it has yet to be verified. Lt Col Tuhin Mohammad Masud told AP that some militants were captured.
He added that the rescued include a Japanese, who was injured, and two Sri Lankans.Eight or nine attackers stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery on Friday, with the IS claiming it carried out the assault.
One kitchen staffer said the gunmen were armed with firearms and bombs, entering the bakery at around 9.20pm local time and taking customers and staff hostage at gunpoint.
The restaurant's supervisor Sumon Reza, who jumped from the roof to escape, said 20 foreigners were being held hostage and a further 15 locals were also thought to be in the restaurant.
An Italian foreign ministry source said Italians were among them.Earlier, at least two policemen were reported to have been killed as officers approached the restaurant during an initial attempt to break the siege.
A massive firefight erupted outside the bakery, which is located in the Gulshan area of the capital.
Another 25 officers and one civilian are being treated for injuries, with 10 people in a critical condition, according to hospital authorities.
One local TV station reported that the gunmen chanted "Allahu Akbar" as they launched their assault.
The restaurant is located near a small hospital as well as the Nordic Club, a private members' club popular with expats.
There has been a string of recent attacks on religious minorities and secular activists by suspected Islamist militants Bangladesh.
Earlier on Friday, a Hindu temple worker was hacked to death in southwest Bangladesh by three assailants.
SkyNews reports
No comments:
Post a Comment