ISIS claims responsibility for Bangladesh restaurant attack
The attack took place at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan-2 area of the city.
The SITE Intelligence Group tweeted: "#ISIS' 'Amaq News Agency reported that #ISIS fighters carried out the attack at a restaurant in #Dhaka #Bangladesh."
"'Amaq update: over 20 people of different nationalities have been killed in the #ISIS attack in #Dhaka #Bangladesh," read another tweet.
Bangladeshi officials or media have not confirmed the death toll as posted by SITE quoting Amaq.
Police and the attackers are currently exchanging fire.
Banani police station officer-in-charge Salahuddin has been killed in the attack.
DMP Additional Commissioner Sheikh Maruf Hasan told bdnews24.com that Salauddin was declared dead by doctors at United Hospital in Gulshan when he was taken there after the attack on Friday evening.
According to Prothom Alo, Detective Branch assistant commissioner Rabiul Islam has also been killed in the attack.
The incident left 50 people injured so far.
Gunmen are holding the hostages at Holey Artisan Bakery, a cafe popular with expats, cafe owner Sumon Reza told CNN.
Police, RAB and BGB have cordoned off the area.
Speaking on the situation, US Embassy in Bangladesh said in a statement: "There has been a shooting and hostage situation reported at Holey Bakery in Gulshan 2, Dhaka. Please shelter in place and monitor all news sources for further developments."
Image: Holey Artisan Bakery Facebook page
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