Gulshan crisis: Obama briefed on hostage situation

President Barack Obama has been briefed about the attack on a restaurant in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Friday, the White House said.

"The president asked to be kept informed as the situation develops," a White House official said.

Two policemen were killed and 20 more were injured when gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan diplomatic area, firing shots and exploding bombs and shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ – the God is the greatest.

At least 20 people were reportedly being held hostage as police cordoned off the entire diplomatic zone. The radical Islamic State (ISIL) reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

The foreign diplomatic missions have issued advisories warning their citizens to exercise caution in Dhaka.

Source: bdnews24