Bangladesh Siege Ends With 13 Hostages Rescued, 6 Gunmen Killed
MEP: Bangladeshi troops have rescued at least 13 hostages and killed six gunmen on Saturday after a number of gunmen stormed a café in the capital, Dhaka.
The overnight siege was successfully ended during which at least 20 hostages were held for some 13 hours, according to local media.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said 13 hostages were freed and six attackers shot dead. One of the gunmen was arrested, she said.
It has been reported that Italian, Japanese and Indian nationals were among the hostages. Italy’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Mario Palma, confirmed the reports, saying that seven Italians were inside the cafe.
“Intense” gunfire and two massive blasts were heard from the Dhaka restaurant, according to police, though it is unclear what caused the explosions.
The café is popular with expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families, located in the vicinity of the US Embassy.
The incident occurred late on Friday, when the gunmen attacked the upscale cafe in the diplomatic area of the capital at around 21:20 (13:20 GMT), setting off explosives and taking around 20 people.
Several hours later, Police forces managed to enter the place to free the hostages. Two officers lost their lives in the clashes.
“The operation is over. The situation is completely under control,” army spokesman Colonel Rashidul Hasan told the AFP news agency.
Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the terror attack, according to its media branch, Amaq. Some U.S. officials have cast doubt on the claim.
