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A hostage situation is fast developing in the Gulshan diplomatic zone in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka as police is reportedly exchanging fire with suspected gunmen. [caption id=“attachment_2868060” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Held hostage. Reuters[/caption] According to PTI, police said that several foreigners are believed to be taken hostages inside the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in the diplomatic zone in the Bangladeshi capital. The bakery turns into a Spanish restaurant at night. The casualty is likely to be high as the initial burst of gunfire is believed to have wounded many cops. According to Times Now, at least 30 people are injured. It also said the head of the Banani police station is reportedly dead. A witness who spoke to Reuters said from his house he could hear gunfire and it “looked quite bad”. The US. Embassy in Dhaka said on its Twitter feed there were “reports of shooting and hostage situation”. https://twitter.com/usembassydhaka/status/748922774614188033 Local newspaper The Daily Star reported that about five assailants entered the restaurant on Road 79 and opened gunfire around 9:20 pm (Bangladeshi time). The authorities have deployed the Rapid Action Battalion and local cops to tackle the evolving the security situation. Footage available with the CNN network but not aired due to editorial concerns on the nature of bloodshed have reportedly showed many people wounded due to gunshots. The Dhaka Tribune, which is running a live blog on the evolving situation, quoted the head of the Rapid Action Battalion on how the authorities are trying to deal with. “Dubbing the ongoing incident a hostage situation, the RAB Director-General Benazir Ahmed told reporters on site: “We would like to resolve the situation peacefully. And I urge everyone to remain calm and not to panic.” He declined to provide further information on the development.” The newspaper also quoted from the Facebook page of Lori Ann Walsh Imdad, principal of American Standard School. “Terrorists broke in and shot the Italian baker and his wife and took about 20 foreigners hostage. This is a block from my place so I have a front row seat to the police action.” There is no confirmation on the exact number of hostages being held inside, though unconfirmed reports suggest 20-60. The US State Department has also confirmed the incident in a tweet. The attackers hurled bombs and were firing intermittently, injuring some policemen and people. A kitchen staff of the bakery, who managed to escape, said several armed men entered the restaurant around 8:45 PM and took the chief chef hostage, local media reported. “They set off several crude bombs triggering panic,” he said. Earlier on Friday , a Hindu priest was hacked to death in the country by unidentified machete-wielding assailants, the latest murder in the Muslim-majority nation which has seen a string of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists by Islamists. Bangladesh has of late seen a series of attacks, mostly using machetes, targeting bloggers, atheists and religious minorities.
Dhaka hostage crisis as it happened: After 13-hour seige, 13 rescued, six militants killed
Footage available with the CNN network but not aired due to editorial concerns on the nature of bloodshed have reportedly showed many people wounded due to gunshots.
 "Dhaka hostage crisis as it happened: After 13-hour seige, 13 rescued, six militants killed")
India calls for adoption of global anti-terror pact
After the terror in Dhaka, India called for quick action to adopt the long-stalled Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and expressed disappointment that the General Assembly failed to push for its early adoption, according to IANS.
Speaking at the General Assembly while Islamic State terrorists were carrying out an attack in Dhaka’s diplomatic enclave and taking hostages, India’s Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said, " The perpetrators of terrorist attacks as well as the States that support and sponsor or provide safe havens to terrorists or terrorist groups must be made accountable."
Adopting it “would show that the international community is determined and pledges to take concrete actions on counter-terrorism by filling in the gaps that are there in the existing regime,” he said.
India calls for adoption of global anti-terror pact
After the terror in Dhaka, India called for quick action to adopt the long-stalled Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and expressed disappointment that the General Assembly failed to push for its early adoption, according to IANS.
Speaking at the General Assembly while Islamic State terrorists were carrying out an attack in Dhaka’s diplomatic enclave and taking hostages, India’s Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said, " The perpetrators of terrorist attacks as well as the States that support and sponsor or provide safe havens to terrorists or terrorist groups must be made accountable."
Adopting it “would show that the international community is determined and pledges to take concrete actions on counter-terrorism by filling in the gaps that are there in the existing regime,” he said.
One terrorist captured alive: Reports
Indians, Italians, Argentine and Bangladeshis among the nationals rescued, according to Bangladesh media. Reports suggest that one terrorist have been captured alive and six have been killed in the gunbattle.
#DhakaAttack | Bangladesh media: Indians, Italians, Argentine & Bangladeshis among those nationals rescued: Reports
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 2, 2016
1 terrorist captured alive, 6 have been killed: Reports #DhakaAttack pic.twitter.com/qcpLVVcuP0
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 2, 2016
Dhaka bakery cleared
After 13-hour seige, the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka has been cleared by the Bangladeshi security forces. Around 13 hostages were rescued from the bakery. Commandos storming the restaurant discovered five bodies lying in blood, a police official who was not identified told Channel 24 TV station.
#Dhaka cafe cleared by Bangladesh security forces after 13-hour long siege, 13 rescued #DhakaAttack pic.twitter.com/yoPfMFamsb
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 2, 2016
Cannot yet confirm IS involvement in Dhaka attack
The US has said it cannot yet confirm the Islamic State terror group’s claim owning responsibility for the hostage crisis in a restaurant in Dhaka’s high security diplomatic area. “We have seen Islamic State claims of responsibility, but cannot yet confirm and are assessing the information available to us,” State Department spokesman John Kirby said.
According to US media reports, Islamic State has claimed responsibility of the attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka last night, reported PTI. But according to CNN, senior US officials believe that the attack has been probably carried out by Al Qaeda.
Japanese and Indian hostages rescued
Lt Col Tuhin Mohammad Masud told Bangladesh media that 13 hostages were rescued some of which were of a foreign nationality. This included Japanese and Indian nationals. Various ambulalance were seen carrying the injured. The gunbattle has ended, but commandos are still present inside the restaurant, reported Indian news channel Times Now.
#Bangladesh media: 13 hostages rescued says Lt Col Tuhin Mohammad Masud. This apparently includes Japanese and Indian national
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
Five bodies found inside Dhaka restaurant: Cops
The sound of two big explosions has been heard from inside the Dhaka restaurant where security forces battled militants holding dozens of hostages, and a police official says five bodies were seen lying in pools of blood. Security forces stormed the restaurant early Saturday to end the 10-hour standoff with militants, according to AP.
Ambulances seen coming out of Gulshan Road
According to witnesses and media reports, ambulances were seen coming out of the Gulshan Road, the scene of the hostage crisis, carrying wounded hostages. Around 13 hostages have been rescued from the restaurant. A police officer, on condition of anonymity, said two of the rescued persons were foreigners. The military-led rescue operation was launched jointly by a navy commando squad, paramilitary BGB, elite anti-crime RAB along with special police units.
Several hostages rescued, taken to hospital
Gunbattle has stopped after 100 commandos stormed the restaurant in Dhaka’s high-security Gulshan diplomatic area. Eyewitnesses say that several of the hostages have been rescued and taken to the hospital. Unconfirmed reports suggest that five gunmen have been killed in gunbattle.
Dhaka hostage crisis: Visuals of the security forces from the restaurant location, ambulance also seen at the spot. pic.twitter.com/qMsJDBNIHU
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
Dhaka hostage crisis: Eyewitnesses to media say 5 gunmen killed, 1 captured, 2 unaccounted for (visuals of security) pic.twitter.com/X8WJaZLhjV
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
20 cops injured
According to CNN-News 18, 20 police officers injured in the gunbattle with terrorists in Dhaka’s upscale restaurant.
#UPDATE | 20 police officers injured in gunbattle with terrorists in #Dhaka restaurant #DhakaAttack pic.twitter.com/K5gftpW0nO
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 2, 2016
13 hostages rescued
According to the latest report, 13 people, including three foreigners taken hostage have been rescued. Five gunmen have been killed. One terrorist has been captured & two have escaped from the area.
#BREAKING | 13 people including 3 foreigners taken hostage by terrorists at #Dhaka restaurant rescued #DhakaAttack pic.twitter.com/HYguwddVvg
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 2, 2016
5 gunmen involved in #DhakaAttack have been killed. One terrorist has been captured & 2 have escaped from the area: Eyewitness to CNN
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 2, 2016
At least nine terrorists inside the bakery
At least nine terrorists shouting “Allahu Akbar” had barged into the Holey Artisan Bakery, frequented by diplomats and expatriates, and opened indiscriminate fire at around 9:20 pm (local time) on Friday, according to PTI. They then engaged in a fierce gun battle with Bangladesh security forces and hurled grenades at them. Two policemen were killed and 30 injured in the exchange. Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq news agency, nearly four hours after the hostage crisis unfolded, according to the US-based SITE Intelligence group.
Three rescued from the restaurant: Local media reports
Local TV stations reported that the rescue operation began at 7:40 am. It included army personnel with automatic weapons and at least seven armored vehicles. Several ambulances were on standby. Local media reported that an Argentine and two Bangladeshis were rescued from the restaurant early Saturday, but details about their condition were not immediately available, reported AP.
Gunfire have stopped
Eyewitnesses told CNN that five gunmen have been killed in the commando raid and two have escaped from the area. Intense gunfire that lasted for a few minutes is over now. According to NDTV, several hostages have been rescued. However, there is official confirmation yet.
Hindu priest attacked in Bangladesh
The spree of recent attacks in Bangladesh have raised fears that religious extremists are gaining a foothold in the country, despite its traditions of secularism and tolerance. About two dozen atheist writers, publishers, members of religious minorities, social activists and foreign aid workers have been slain since 2013. Meanwhile, a Hindu priest was attacked on Saturday morning in Satkhira Sadar Upazila in Bangladesh. His condition is reportedly critical. This is the second such attack in two days.
Hindu priest attacked Saturday morning in Satkhira Sadar Upazila in Bangladesh. In hospital in a critical condition. 2nd attack in 2 days.
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
Bangladesh army chief at the site
Reports suggest that at least five people, presumably hostages moved out via ambulances from cafe, however, there is no official confirmation. Bangladesh army chief at the site.
Unconfirmed report that at least 5 persons presumably hostages moved out via ambulances from cafe. Bangladesh army chief at location: media
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
Three hostages taken to hospital
According to NDTV, three hostages have been taken to the hospital. The Daily Star reported that an ambulance of the RAB were seen carrying an injured. Loud gunshots are also being heard.
Several rescued: RAB
Several of the hostages, including one foreigner rescued from Dhaka restaurant says Mizanur Rahman of RAB. They are being taken to hospital, according to ANI. Ambulances are seen moving into the lane of the restaurant. Commandos have surrounded the cafe.
Several persons including 1 foreigner rescued from #Dhaka restaurant says Mizanur Rahman of RAB. They are being taken to hospital.
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
More ambulances moving into #Dhaka restaurant lane.Local reporters say say at least 100 commandos surrounded cafe Retaliatory fire was there
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
Operation on to free hostages
Media reports suggest armed forces have launched the rescue operation. Sniper fire can be heard.
Dhaka media reports armed forces have begun offensive at cafe, loud noises like bombs exploding heard. Sniper fire can be heard.
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
Dhaka (Bangladesh) hostage crisis: Visuals of the security forces near the spot. #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/Q9QFcmqXQd
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2016
Indian High Commission monitoring situation
All Indian High Commission officials are reported to be safe and the Indian High Commission is monitoring the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday night. Minister Of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore tweeted saying Media should refrain from identifying nationalities/identities of probable hostages. Earlier, US State Department said that the US is monitoring the situation in Dhaka.
Media should refrain from identifying nationalities/identities of probable hostages in context of #Dhaka for their safety. Please RT & tag
— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) July 1, 2016
.@statedeptspox Kirby provides update on apparent hostage situation in #Dhaka, #Bangladesh https://t.co/CgwWuU2aUl
— Department of State (@StateDept) July 1, 2016
Hostages include many foreigners
Five of the hostages are Japanese, according to a driver who dropped them at the restaurant. Italian ambassador to Bangladesh, Mario Palmer, said seven of his countrymen are being held captive. However, the total number of hostages still remains uncertain.
According to a local news channel, one of the persons being held captive, messaged his relative that the terrorists are using them as human shields.
A hostage was also seen tied up in a chair on the balcony of the restaurant, according to PTI.
Fresh gunfire heard from cafe
RAB chief Benazir Ahmed said early this morning that efforts were underway to free the hostages in a peaceful manner. Throughout the night, security forces asked terrorists to surrender, but failed to get any response from the other side. Earlier reports indicate that security forces, including Navy, Army and Air force personnel, were seen mobilising equipment in preparation for the operation, according to PTI. According to CNN-News 18, fresh gunfire were heard from the artisan bakery.
Security forces storm the bakery
According to India Today, security forces have stormed the bakery to avoid more casualty. Security officials issued instructions to people in the neighbourhood to stay indoors. No one was allowed on the streets in the vicinity of the restaurant, a police official said on the condition of anonymity. Negotiation attempts have failed.
Negotiations are on
Bangladeshi security forces are preparing to launch a commando operation to free at least 20 hostages, including several foreigners, from a restaurant in Dhaka’s high-security Gulshan diplomatic area. A Rapid Action Battalion official told PTI that they were “awaiting final directives” from higher authorities to launch
the operation. According to India Today, negotiations are on.
‘No response from attackers for negotiation’
The attackers “have not responded to authorities’ calls for negotiation,” said a member of the elite anti-crime force, Rapid Action Battalion, identifying himself as Lt. Col. Masood, during an interview with the Indian TV channel Times Now. He said authorities were planning to launch a coordinated response at dawn, and that the security cordon would prevent any of the attackers from escaping. Authorities also ordered internet services to be blocked across the country, according to internet service provider Aamra, reported AP.
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Dhaka bakery
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadis activity online. At least 35 people, including about 20 foreigners, were still trapped inside the restaurant, said kitchen staffer Sumon Reza, according to AP.
Two cops killed in gunbattle
Heavily armed militants struck at the heart of Bangladesh’s diplomatic zone on Friday night, taking dozens of hostages at a restaurant popular with foreigners. Two police officers were killed and at least 26 people wounded in a gunbattle as security forces cordoned off the area.
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