Gunmen take hostages in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka

Bangladeshi security personnel stand guard near a restaurant that has reportedly been attacked by unidentified gunmen in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 1 JulyImage

Witnesses described a gun battle between security forces and the attackers

Gunmen have stormed a popular cafe in the diplomatic area of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, taking hostages, officials say.

Several foreigners are among those being held by eight or nine men in the city`s Gulshan district, they add.

A gun battle between the attackers and police wounded three people, including two officers.

Police and security forces have sealed off the area and are trying to negotiate the hostages`s release.

"Some derailed youths have entered the restaurant and launched the attack," Benazir Ahmed, chief of Bangladesh`s elite police force, said.
"We want to resolve this peacefully. We are trying to talk to the attackers... Our first priority is to save the lives of the people trapped inside."

Local media reported that several gunmen had entered the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe and opened fire.

The cafe is described as being popular with expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families.
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It is not clear who the attackers are, although a police officer told the BBC that Islamic militants were suspected.
Media reports quoted witnesses as saying that "Allahu Akbar", meaning "God is greatest", was heard as the attack took place.

BBC South Asia editor Jill McGivering says that although high-profile gun attacks are rare in Bangladesh, the latest incident follows a series of murders widely blamed on Islamist extremists.

sorce: bbc