US President Barack Obama Briefed, Lawmakers React to Dhaka Attack

Bangladeshi policemen clear out an area to facilitate action against heavily armed militants who struck at the heart of Bangladesh’s diplomatic zone on Friday, 1 July 2016. (Photo: AP)

• At least five people were killed in a terrorist attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh
  
• Six-ten terrorists stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on Friday night
  
• Two policeman, two foreign diplomats confirmed dead, 30 others injured
  
• Six terrorists reportedly killed in a gun battle with Bangladesh police
  
• Of 20 hostages, 18 rescued, reports Dhaka Tribune
  
• ISIS claims responsibility for the attack
  

US President Barack Obama has been briefed by counter-terrorism officials on an ISIS terror attack at an upmarket restaurant in Bangladesh where several foreigners have been taken hostage, a White House official said.

Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco has briefed the President on the ongoing situation in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The President asked to be kept informed as the situation develops.

White House official

The State Department Spokesman John Kirby said that the US embassy in Dhaka is monitoring the situation.

I can tell you as of now that they have accounted for 100 percent of the American citizens working under the chief of mission authority. They’re also obviously in constant touch with authorities as they continue to work through this very fluid, very live situation right now.

Besides the US lawmakers, Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Paolo Gentiloni’s office also took cognisance of the situation.

Also Read: Dhaka Terror Attack: 13 People Rescued, Six Gunmen Killed