Dhaka hostage crisis: 13 hostages rescued so far, five gunmen killed

Around 13 hostages have been rescued so far by the security forces which stormed this morning into the Dhaka restaurant to end an unprecedented hostage crisis, where it was believed that around 20 people were kept as hostage since last night.

According to local media reports, Lt. Col Tuhin Mohammad Masud said that the rescued people include Japanese and Indian nationals.

The eyewitnesses present at the spot also told the media that five gunmen have been killed and one has been captured by the security forces.

According to the Daily Star, heavy sound of explosion started to rock the area at 7:40 a.m. this morning.

It is reported that two policemen have been killed and more than 20 people have been injured so far by eight-nine gunmen, who attacked the Holey Artisan Restaurant, located in the Gulshan District of the Bangladesh capital. The cafe is described as being popular with expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families.

Earlier, it was also reported that Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Gowher Rizvi, an adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had earlier said that the security forces could launch an offensive to end the siege in case they fail to negotiate a way out of the crisis.

The assailants, who are believed to be carrying assault rifles and grenades, exchanged gun fire with police outside for several hours after the attack which began around 9 p.m.