Nine Italians, 7 Japanese, an Indian and two students attending a U.S. university were among those killed when militants stormed Holey Artisan Bakery, an eatery popular with foreigners in the diplomatic zone in Dhaka.
AMN
The international community has strongly condemned the terrorist attack at a restaurant in Dhaka which claimed the lives of 22 people, mostly foreigners, including an Indian girl.
Top leaders of Italy, Japan, France, UK, US, India and Malaysia have extended their condolences and support to Bangladesh.
Italy, which lost 9 citizens in the attack, said it has been hit hard but is not on its knees. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in a statement condemned the attack in strongest terms, while Italy’s football players wore black mourning belt during their Euro match with Germany last night.
Japan, which lost 7 nationals, pledged to assist Bangladesh in the fight against terrorism.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe telephoned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday and said he is sending his State Minister for Foreign Affairs to Dhaka shortly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first to speak to Mrs Sheikh Hasina and pledge all support against terrorism. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said India stands firmly with of Bangladesh in this hour of grief. He said, the attack in has pained India beyond words.
The United Nations Security Council also joined an international leaders condemning the attack. It reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice.
Pope Francis denounced the acts as an insult to God and humanity.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister has appealed to people of the country to have faith in her government. In her address to the nation last evening, she urged everyone including the anti-terrorism units, the community police and the NGOs to unite to fight terrorism. Ms Hasina also declared two days national mourning.
Meanwhile heightened security arrangements continue in Dhaka with security personnel posted at all strategic points in the capital.
The crisis at the restaurant, which ended yesterday following an Army-led Commando operation to rescue the hostages. Six terrorists were killed in the operation, while one was captured alive. Arms and ammunition was also recovered.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh National Police Chief Shahidul Hoque told reporters in Dhaka that all gunmen were Bangladeshi citizens. He said, five of them were listed as militants and law enforcers had made several drives to arrest them.
Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Director General of Military operations, Brigadier General Naeem Ashfaq said, they cannot immediately say which group is behind the attack.