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It is thought that between six and 10 attackers stormed the building in the diplomatic zone. Six gunmen were killed and 13 hostages rescued.



"The operation is over and the situation is under control," army spokesman Colonel Rashidul Hasan said.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi police officers laid siege on the building, with officials confirming they had freed twelve hostages, including four foreigners.

At least seven Italian nationals were thought to be among those taken by the gunmen when they stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery Cafe.

Six militants were killed after government troops were able to take control of the main building where sounds of gunfire and explosions could be heard from outside.

As the siege raged on Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, a deputy director at the Rapid Action Battalion force said: “Our commandos have stormed into the restaurant. Intense gunfighting on.”

But the twisted terror cell Islamic State, who claimed responsibility for the attack through their official propaganda network, said they had killed 24 people including tourists in the strike.