The dramatic, 10-hour hostage crisis that gripped Bangladesh’s diplomatic zone ended Saturday morning with at least 28 dead, including six of the attackers, as commandos raided the popular restaurant where heavily armed attackers were holding dozens of foreigners and Bangladeshis prisoner while hurling bombs and engaging in a gunbattle with security forces.
The hostages were given a test: recite verses from the Quran, or be punished, according to a witness. Those who passed were allowed to eat. Those who failed were tortured and slain.
The so called ‘Islamic State group’ claimed responsibility, saying it targeted the citizens of “Crusader countries” in the attack.
The 20 hostages killed included nine Italians, seven Japanese, three Bangladeshis and one Indian, government sources said,
"We are witnessing carnage and destruction, anguish and tears, all around the world. We firmly condemn those who slaughter innocents in the name of intolerance.
We pray that the world will not give in to fear or division. We pray for a world where people with different faiths coexist peacefully - with mutual respect."
This attack has been a deeply traumatic event for Italy, as 9 italian citizens were fiercely tortured and slain. The pain and the experience of suffering by those who lost loved ones is just unimaginable.
"We want to extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all who’ve been killed and injured. May our prayers reach their hearts and comfort them.
This kind of suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. These violent actions violate every standard of common decency. This violence must stop.
We will continue to pray and stand up for freedom, for justice, and for the dignity of all people."
