Bangladesh troops kill six Islamic State gunmen, free 13 hostages after 10-hour Dhaka cafe siege

Bangladesh forces stormed a restaurant where heavily armed militants held dozens of people hostage for 10 hours on Saturday morning, triggering explosions and finding at least five bodies lying in pools of blood. The commanding officer of the Bangladeshi troops said at least six of the militants have been killed and 13 hostages rescued. Those rescued include one Japanese person, who was injured, and two Sri Lankans.

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 trapped inside the restaurant, said kitchen staffer Sumon Reza, who was among more than 10 people who managed to run to the rooftop and escape when the militants moved in Friday night.

With the sound of gunfire and explosions, local TV stations reported that the rescue operation began at 7.40am It included army personnel with automatic weapons and at least seven armoured 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.

Commandos storming the restaurant discovered five bodies lying in blood, a police official who was not identified told Channel 24 TV station.