Saturday, July 2, 2016

Ramadan Death count: Bangladesh 02/07/16

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) -- Bangladeshi forces stormed an upscale Dhaka restaurant to end a hostage-taking by heavily armed militants early Saturday, killing six of the attackers and rescuing 13 captives including foreigners. The military said 20 hostages were killed during the 10-hour standoff, and a survivor's father said the attackers spared people who could recite verses from the Quran.

Italian foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni said nine Italians were killed, and India's government confirmed an Indian woman was killed. The overall toll of 28 dead included two police officers who were killed at the start of the attack.

(NYP) Kitchen staffer Sumon Reza, who escaped, said the attackers chanted “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) as they assaulted around 9:20 p.m. Friday, initially opening fire with blanks. [...]

‘The gunmen asked everyone inside to recite from the Quran. Those who recited were spared.’

Ramadan death toll is now at 8,335