Gunmen killed 20 people, mostly with sharp weapons, shortly after
taking hostage a number of diners at a café in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone
last evening, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
-- ‘Operation thunderbolt’ conducted
-- Among 7 attackers, six killed, one held alive
-- Victims mostly killed by sharp weapons
-- Sharp weapons, unexploded IED, walkie-talkie recovered
-- Autopsies at Dhaka CMH
-- Dial +88-0176-9012524 to ascertain victims’ identity, army says
As per
instruction by the honourable head of the government, Bangladesh Army
conducted Operation Thunderbolt, Brig Gen Nayeem Ashfaq Chowdhury,
director of military operations, told journalists at a press briefing
this afternoon.
Joint security force led by army recovered 20 bodies during a search
on the compound of the Spanish restaurant, Holey Artisan Bakery after
the operation was launched, Brig Gen Nayeem said.
“Most of the victims were killed brutally with sharp weapons,” he added.
Autopsies of the deceased will be conducted at Combined Military
Hospital (CMH) following existing norms, the army official said.
For details and to ascertain identity of the deceased, people have
been told to contact army provost martial of Bangladesh Army over a
hotline +88-0176-9012524.
Members of army, navy, air force, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid
Action battalion and police took part in the over an hour operation
starting at 7:40am, Brig Gen Nayeem.
Two Sri Lankans and a Japanese were among the 13 hostages rescued in the operation.
Six terrorists were killed and joint forces detained a suspected attacker from the spot, he said.
A pistol used by terrorists, folded butt AK 22 rifle, Improvised
Explosive Device (IED), walkie-talkie set and a large number of locally
made sharp weapons were recovered from the spot, he said.
