20 foreigners killed as Bangladesh's worst hostage crisis ends

DHAKA: Heavily armed militants struck at the heart of Bangladesh's diplomatic zone on Friday night, taking dozens of hostages at a restaurant popular with foreigners. Two police officers were killed and at least 26 people wounded in a gunbattle as security forces cordoned off the area and sought to end the standoff. Live Updates:

• More ambulances moving into Dhaka restaurant lane.Local reporters say say at least 100 commandos surrounded cafe Retaliatory fire was there
• Several persons including 1 foreigner rescued from Dhaka restaurant says Mizanur Rahman of RAB. They are being taken to hospital.
• A forth message from the IS reportedly claimed that 24 people have been killed and 40 wounded so far "including foreigners," according to SITE Intelligence.
• Dhaka media reports armed forces have begun offensive at cafe, loud noises like bombs exploding heard. Sniper fire can be heard.
• Rescue operation will begin in half and hour. Bangladesh Army and Navy in spot.
• According to Dhaka Police the number of hostage is thirty and not twenty
• One person has been detained by Dhaka Police on suspicion of being a terrorist or associated with the terrorist who had had taken hostage
• Dhaka Police also claims that attack took places in various other places in Dhaka other than the restaurant where the hostages are held.
• Raids conducted in various places of Dhaka throughout the night.

IS took the responsibility of the attack and announced it on group affiliated wire Amaq Agency. US President Barack Obama has been briefed on the hostage situation in Dhaka, White House officials said. Chief of the Rapid Action Battalion, Benjir Ahmed said "derailed youths" entered the restaurant and launched the attack. "One of the attackers was armed with a sword, the others carried guns," an employee of a nearby café told RT. Some witnesses said they heard shooting noise and bomb blasts. At least four police officials were injured earlier after police exchanged fire with the gunmen attacked the restaurant popular with foreigners. Security forces have not yet entered the premisis of the restaurant, known as the Holy Artisan Bakery but are planning a rescue operation shortly. "Bangladesh plans to start operation soon to rescue hostages from Dhaka restaurant, held by 8-9 gunmen," a police officer was quoted as saying.