DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) – Bangladeshi forces stormed an upscale Dhaka restaurant where heavily armed militants held dozens of people hostage Saturday morning, killing at least six of the attackers and rescuing 13 captives including foreigners at the end of the 10-hour standoff.
About 35 people were taken hostage, including about 20 foreigners, when gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, a diplomatic zone, on Friday night.
“We have gunned down at least six terrorists and the main building is cleared but the operation is still going on,” Lt. Col. Tuhin Mohammad Masud, commander of the Rapid Action Battalion, told The Associated Press three hours after the commandos launched the rescue operation.
He said there were casualties among other hostages, but did not provide details.
Masud said the rescued included a Japanese, who was injured, and two Sri Lankans. He said that some of the militants were captured.