Dhaka shooting: Islamic State claims attack that killed 20, 13 hostages rescued as siege ends

Bangladesh security forces entered Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan area on Saturday morning where armed militants had taken hostages the previous night. They rescued 13 hostages, of whom 10 were reportedly locals and three were foreign nationals. Eyewitnesses said six of the gunmen have been killed, two escaped and one has been captured, reported CNN. Twenty people, including one Indian teenager, were also killed during in the strike.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the incident, and said the country is determined to root out terrorism. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condemned the attack.

Here is how the incident unfolded:

4.30 pm: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he spoke to Hasina and also condemned the "despicable attack".

4 pm: US State Department says Islamic State link to the attack has not been confirmed yet.

3.55 pm: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has confirmed that an Indian girl, Tarushi Jain, was among the 20 killed.

3.20 pm: Three Indians remain untraceable after the attacks, News18 reported. Seven Japanese citizens are also missing.

2 pm: One Indian is among the 20 victims, an official has told The Hindu.

1.45 pm: All civilians killed were foreigners, says Bangladesh Army official.

1.15 pm: An army official told Reuters 20 people died in the attack, and that most who died on Friday night were killed by sharp weapons. Many victims were Italian and Japanese nationals.

11.25 am: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has criticised the media for showing visuals of the rescue operation during the siege at O'Kitchen and Holey Artisan Bakery, and said it jeopardised the safety of people.

11.20 am: Sheikh Hasina has confirmed that six gunmen were killed, and 13 hostages rescued. She also lauded the efforts made by security officials to end the situation as quickly as possible, and condemned the attack. She said Bangladesh is determined to root out terrorism from the country.

11.15 am: A high alert has been sounded in the city, and all offices and schools have been ordered to remain closed on Saturday.

10.40 am: The Islamic State has claimed the attack on its news agency Amaq, and posted photos of victims it claimed were killed in the cafe. The terror outfit also claimed 24 people died in the shooting, though security officials said the number was false. At least 20 people have been reported injured, and two police officers died during the attack.

10.30 am: Rapid Action Battalion Commander Kaji Mohammad Shoaib said there is no more threat and that of the hostages rescued, three were foreigners, while 10 were locals.

10.10 am: Security forces have killed six gunmen in total, while one was captured alive.

9.52 am: According to The Times of India, the siege has ended and the Dhaka authorities have started combing operations in the area.

9.45 am: An official from the police headquarters told the Dhaka Tribune that 18 people have been rescued so far. Five bodies were also found at the site.

9.40 am: There are reports coming in that the hostage situation is over. However, there has been no official confirmation on this.

9.30 am: According to the Daily Star, a loud explosion was heard from the site. Witnesses told reporters that they have seen "at least five blood-spattered bodies", but it was unclear who the deceased were. Bangladesh's Army and Navy chiefs have arrived at the spot and are coordinating the response teams.

What happened earlier:

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the carnage that ensued at 9.20 pm (local time) on Friday. However, police are yet to confirm their involvement. Militants had opened fire at the restaurant, which is frequented by foreigners, expatriates and middle-class families. Two police officers have been killed and at least 26 people have been wounded in the attack.

It was initially reported that several Italians and Indians were among the hostages. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that all Indian High Commission officials were safe, but the status of other Indian nationals is not known.