Elite forces battle militants in Bangladesh

“A ban has been enforced barring entry of ordinary people within the vicinity of the building as final preparations were underway to flush the militants out from their den,” a police officer told reporters on the scene.

At least three blasts were heard from inside the five-storey ‘Atia Mahal’ since 9.57 am, local time. A huge blast near the building tilted it towards one side, the Daily Star reported, citing its photojournalist who was on the spot. Several gunshots were also heard. But it is unclear who were firing the shots as army prepared for a final assault. Sylhet-based 17 Infantry Division’s Major General Anwarul Momen lead the operation codenamed ‘Twilight’, which was assisted by police’s SWAT and counter-terrorism units. The elite Rapid Action Battalion too was also involved. It was not immediately clear whether the blasts were bomb attacks carried out in support of the militants holed up in the building. 

Eyewitnesses said sounds of intermittent gunshots and explosions were heard, indicating militants’ response to the security siege that continued for the last three days. The officials said they were not sure about the number of militants inside the building but hinted that a top militant leader was inside the complex. 

This was the third attack in Bangladesh in eight days for which the IS claimed credit. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, however, rejected the IS claim, saying that there was no presence of any foreign terrorist group in the country.