The Holey Artisan Bakery, a popular cafe in Bangladesh’s capital city Dhaka, mostly thronged by foreigners, was finally brought under control at 7:40 this morning (local time), about 10 hours after the armed terrorists went berserk and held hostages.
The shelling ceased by the morning, with 13 hostages reportedly released. At least five unidentified bodies were recovered from the restaurant, a police official told the media.
The hostages held were recognized as Italian and Japanese citizens.
Japanese officials revealed in a press conference that 12 of their nationals had been rescued, however, the exact number of Japanese citizens in there remained unclear. “Officials are working to garner more information,” said Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Koichi Hagiuda.
Meanwhile, witnesses said they heard a round of gunshots before silence engulfed the atmosphere in the area. The battle between the security officials and terrorists continued over night, before the cafe was fully brought under control by the police.
Fayad Munaim, who could vividly hear profound shelling coming from the direction of the restaurant, said that the gunshots lasted about 10 minutes after which the cannonade ceased.
Media reported that the police had to storm the restaurant in Dhaka.
The gunbattle by the ISIS terrorists killed two senior police officers in Dhaka and injured 40 others.
Detective Police Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Nazmul Alam said that 40 people were wounded, some by gunshot and others by sharpnel from explosive devices.
The Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion of Bangladesh Police told reporters that they were trying to resolve the issue peacefully. Till now, 6 terrorists have been gunned down and 13 hostages rescued safely.
(Written by Isha Kulkarni)