20 hostages and 6 militants killed in Bangladesh cafe siege

TWENTY hostages have been killed in a siege at a cafe in Bangladesh, the country's government has said.

Bangladeshi army soldiers prepare to move in. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

Security forces killed at least six militants and freed another 13 people after a 10-hour stand-off at the restaurant, popular with foreign diplomats, in the capital Dhaka.

Gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan area, a diplomatic zone, on Friday night.

More than 100 commandos began a co-ordinated response on Saturday morning in an attempt to free the reported 35 hostages, including around 20 foreigners.

Bangladesh security personnel stand on top of armoured vehicles near the cafe. Picture: AP

A Japanese government spokesman said a Japanese hostage was rescued with a gunshot wound but seven others are unaccounted for.

Deputy chief cabinet secretary Koichi Hagiuda said that the eight were together at the restaurant during the attack.

Bangladesh military spokesman Nayeem Ashfaq Chowdhury said two police officers were also killed when the attackers stormed the restaurant and opened fire.

Paramilitary troops who mounted the rescue operation have recovered explosives from the scene.

Bangladesh security personnel stand on top of armoured vehicles near the cafe. Picture: AP

As many as nine gunmen targeted the eatery and exchanged gunfire with police officers while also throwing explosives.

Gunfire and explosions could be heard as they swooped and battled the militants in a bid to end the siege.

The Foreign Office has warned British travellers in the area to stay away from public areas.

In a statement, it said that after the incident “we advise you to remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities”, continuing: “Until further notice we specifically advise against visiting areas where foreign nationals are known to congregate such as public areas of International Hotels, large supermarkets, restaurants and clubs.”

Lieutenant Colonel Tuhin Mohammad Masud said some militants were captured.

He added: “We have gunned down at least six terrorists and the main building is cleared but the operation is still going on.”

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.

Two officers have been killed and authorities said another 25 officers and one civilian were being treated for injuries, including 10 people listed in critical condition. The injuries include bullet wounds and broken bones.