Twenty people, said to be foreigners, were killed during an attack by suspected Islamist militants on a cafe in Bangladesh, the army says.
Gunmen stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe in Dhaka late on Friday before troops entered almost 12 hours later.
Six of the attackers were also killed and one was arrested, a government spokesman said. The attack was claimed by the so-called Islamic State (IS).
Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi confirmed Italians were killed.
He offered condolences to the victims' families and, referring to the attackers, said: "Our values are stronger than hatred and terror."
Italian news agency Ansa said up to 10 Italians may be unaccounted for. The Italian press said many of those dining at the cafe worked in the garment industry.
Although the army said all 20 killed were foreigners, there are unconfirmed reports that at least one Bangladeshi national was among the hostages killed.
The siege began as diners were gathering to break their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"It was an extremely heinous act," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in a televised statement. "What kind of Muslims are these people? They don't have any religion.
"My government is determined to root out terrorism and militancy from Bangladesh."
Bangladesh's Daily Star newspaper said the gunmen tortured anyone who was unable to recite the Koran. They provided meals overnight for only the Bangladeshi captives, it said.
''BBC News''
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