At least 13 hostages rescued as Dhaka cafe siege ends

PanARMENIAN.Net - Bangladeshi troops rescued at least 13 hostages and shot dead six gunmen Saturday, July 2, ending an overnight siege at a cafe in Dhaka, officials said, according to CNN.

"The operation is over," said Brig. Gen. Mujibur Rahman, who was overseeing the troops in the rescue effort at Holey Artisan Bakery, which was raided by gunmen Friday night.

It’s unclear how many people the gunmen seized in the cafe at a diplomatic zone, but Rahman said 14 hostages were rescued.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina provided a different number.

"We were able to save 13 people ... and of these terrorists six of them died on the spot, they died right there," Hasina said at a news conference.

She said one of the terrorists was captured alive.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the terror attack, according to its media branch, Amaq. Some U.S. officials have cast doubt on the claim.

Gunmen attacked the cafe popular with expats and took those inside hostage, cafe worker Sumon Reza said.

Detective Police Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Nazmul Alam said 40 people were wounded, some by gunshots and others by shrapnel from explosive devices.