Off the wire
• Brazilian police arrest Cunha's alleged moneyman in anti-corruption operation  • Pentagon confirms killing of two IS commanders in airstrike  • Brazilian court freezes Facebook fund of six mln U.S. dollars  • Central bank pumps more money into market  • 1st LD Writethru: Israeli war jets strike Gaza in response to rocket firing  • Brexit to bring cheaper British goods into China, JD director  • Mitsubishi to recall 7,725 vehicles in China  • Major parties confident as minor parties pose threat in Australian election  • (Recast to change dateline) Commentary: Political farce in name of law and justice only benefits special interests  • Commentary: Political farce in name of law and justice only benefits special interests  
You are here: 　 Home

Two Sri Lankans held hostage at Dhaka restaurant rescued: ministry

Xinhua, July 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Two Sri Lankan nationals who were taken hostage by gunmen in a restaurant in Bangladesh in the early hours on Saturday have been rescued by Bangladeshi security forces, Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry said here.

The two Sri Lankans were among dozens of people who were taken hostage by several armed gunmen in a restaurant in a diplomatic area in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva said that he was informed by State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene that there were reports of two Sri Lankans who were among the hostages inside the restaurant in Dhaka.

At least five gunmen have been killed and at least 13 people rescued after Bangladeshi security forces stormed the restaurant, according to media reports.

It is still unverified as to how many foreign nationals were held hostage inside the restaurant.

The Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the attack. Endit