Police in Bangladesh say they killed three Islamist extremists Saturday after raiding a militant hideout just outside the country’s capital, Dhaka. The suspected mastermind of last month's deadly attack on a cafe filled with foreigners is reported to be among those killed.
Senior police officer Sanwar Hossain confirmed the deaths of the militants.
Officials said police exchanged fire during an hour-long gun battle with the extremists in Narayanganj, 25 kilometers south of Dhaka.
"They did not surrender. They threw four-five grenades at police and fired from AK 22 rifles," Bangladesh national police chief A.K.M Shahidul Hoque told AFP.
Bangladesh-born Canadian citizen Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury was among those killed, according to officials. He is believed to be the mastermind of the country’s worst terror attack that killed 20 hostages, including 17 foreign nationals, along with two policemen.
According to reports, police and security forces have carried out a series of raids on allegedly militant hideouts. On Aug. 2, authorities offered $25,000 as a reward to anyone who gave information that would lead officials to Chowdhury.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the cafe attack on July 1 when gunmen entered the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka and killed the hostages and police officers.