Gunshots exchange on as 20 foreigners kept hostage

At least 20 foreigners have been kept hostage at a restaurant in capital’s Gulshan by a group of gunmen for over two hours.

Law enforcers and terrorists are continuing exchanging gunshots as the law enforcers are trying to end the hostage situation.

At least two members of police sustained bullet wounds but it couldn’t be known immediately whether anyone was killed in the hostage situation.

Witnesses said a group of gun-wielding young men entered the restaurant—Holey Artisan Bakery—at Road 79 around 8:30pm by opening gunshots, charging bombs and shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’.

The gunmen, who were carrying swords in their hands as well, took dozens of people including 20 foreign nationals hostage.

One Suman, who claimed himself as one of the managers at the hotel, said a group of eight young men aged between 20 and 28 attacked the restaurant.

“They blasted a numbers of bombs and swooped on the guests in the restaurant shouting Allahu Akbar,” said Suman said.

“Attackers were carrying heavy guns,” he added.

He said nearly 20 foreigners were at the restaurant when the gunmen launched the attack.

At 10:30pm, a powerful explosion was heard during a live telecast of the hostage situation and some rounds of gunshots were also heard.

A huge contingent of law enforcers were deployed in the area.

Talking to newsmen on the spot, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) director general Benazir Ahmed said a group of “misguided young men” were involved in the hostage situation.

More to follow...