July 2016 Dhaka attack
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (July 2016) |
| 2016 Gulshan attack | |
|---|---|
| Part of Internal conflict in Bangladesh | |
| Location | Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Date | 1 July 2016 9:20 p.m. - ongoing (BST) |
| Target | Holey Artisan Bakery |
Attack type | Mass shooting, bombing, hostage-taking |
| Weapons | Firearms, IEDs, sword |
| Deaths | 1+ |
| Injured | ~30[1] |
| Victims | 20-60 hostages[2] |
No. of participants | 9 |
On the night of 1 July 2016, up to nine attackers opened fire on the Holey Artisan Bakery in the wealthy Gulshan neighborhood of Dhaka, Bangladesh.[1][2] They also threw bombs and took several dozen hostages and killed at least one police officer in shootouts with police.[1] They reportedly chanted "Allahu akbar" during the attack.[2]
The situation is ongoing.
Background
Since 2013, Bangladesh has experienced an increase in Islamist attacks on religious minorities, bloggers and secularists.
Gulshan is a wealthy neighborhood of Dhaka and is home to many foreign embassies.[2]
The attack
The attack started at about 9:20 p.m. local time. At least nine attackers entered the restaurant armed with bombs, guns and one attacker had a sword. They opened fire and detonated several of the bombs before taking many hostages, almost all foreigners. They engaged in shootouts with police, injuring several policemen, one of whom has died. Police have cordoned off the area around the restaurant and are planning a rescue raid.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Gunmen take at least 20 hostages in Dhaka diplomatic quarter, Bangladesh - reports". rt.com. Russia Today. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Hostages taken in attack on restaurant in Bangladesh capital; witness says gunmen chanted 'Allahu Akbar'". foxnews.com. Fox News. Retrieved 1 July 2016.