Two Italian nationals and three police personnel reportedly died after gunmen opened fire in a popular cafe in Gulshan neighbourhood of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, on Friday.

The gunmen have been identified as ISIS assailants, after the militant group took responsibility.



20 foreign nationals present at the Holey Artisan Bakery have been taken hostage by suspected militants. Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said that all diplomats are safe.



Locals said that they heard gunfire from the restaurant at around 8.45 pm. A gunfight between police forces and suspected militants is on. Police forces have ordered a shoot on sight following the incident.

Sources said nearly 10 armed unidentified persons barged into the restaurant. Eyewitness claimed that the militants opened fire indiscriminately.

POLICE, ASSAILANTS INJURED IN GUNBATTLE



Locals said that the police rushed to the spot hearing the blaring noise of the gun fires. Police have so far taken out about four injured assailants from the restaurant. Several police personnel have been reported to be injured in the incident.



10 policemen wounded.1 officer commanding named Salahuddin died. Eyewitness said, terrorists wearing western dresses. Live telecast stopped taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) July 1, 2016

The injured have been rushed to the nearest hospital. Mostly policemen among 26 people have been admitted in Dhaka's United hospital. Sources said that a large number of foreign nationals were present at the restaurant.



Police forces have cordoned off the area. The cafe is noted for being a popular spot among expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families in the neighbourhood.

The incident drew sharp reactions from controversial Bangladesh author Taslima Nasreen who took to Twitter to express her views.



Islamic terrorists started shooting inside the Dhaka restaurant by saying Nara-e-Takbir Allahu Akbar.

taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) July 1, 2012

She added, "Attackers were wearing western attire."

According to reports, ISIS claims to have killed 20 people of different nationalities in the shootout.



DHAKA ON ALERT

All residents have been asked to stay indoors. Moreover, Rapid Action Battalion along with the Army and Navy have cordoned off the restaurant

Live broadcast of the gunfight has been stopped by all channels on orders by the police.