Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - Security clampdown to rescue the hostages ended with recuing at least 13 people including foreign nationals more than 10 hours after gunmen stormed at the Spanish restaurant in the capital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said six attackers were killed during operation by the law enforcers.
The joint team comprised of army commandos, police, SWAT, RAB and BGB completed the rescue operation at Gulshan Spanish restaurant Holey Artisan Bakery.
Witnesses said they counted 13 ambulances coming out of the Gulshan Road No 79, the scene of the hostage episode, visibly carrying wounded hostages, reports Bangladesh Shangbad Shangstha (BSS).
Army chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, who oversaw the operations launched at 7.30 am, left the scene indicating the end of the security clampdown joined by a navy commando squad, paramilitary BGB, elite anti-crime RAB and special police units.
Military jeeps were earlier seen making their ways towards the Holey Artisan restaurant hoisting red flags on their bonnets while a number of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) followed them.
The army boats also patrolled the Gulshan lake beside the restaurant wielding their guns while the other security agencies enforced a sharp vigil in adjacent the outlet visibly to prevent the terrorists from fleeing the scene.
The security forces, however, moved away the journalists from the spot and asked residents in the neighbourhood to stay indoors while people in the area said they heard sounds of explosions and gunshots as the operations began.
According to witnesses, including hostages who sent out messages to their relatives outside, suggested the number of the terrorists was as high as nine as they raided the restaurant around 9.20 last night.
They held hostage an estimated 30 people, 20 of being foreign nationals, while the Italian embassy said seven of the captives were their nationals.
Security and law enforcement agencies arrived at the scene immediately while the terrorists hurled explosives and fired gunshots in which two police officers were killed and several others wounded.
Police said the two slain officers were assistant commissioner of the Detective Branch Rabiul Islam and officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station Salauddin Khan. The two suffered fatal injuries and succumbed to their wounds at a private hospital.
BBN/SSR/AD