The Devastating Holey Artisan Cafe Attack: A Timeline of Terror

A Tragic Saturday Afternoon

On Saturday, July 1, 2016, a peaceful afternoon at the Holey Artisan Cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh, turned into a horrifying scene of terror. This unprecedented attack left 29 people dead and countless others traumatized.

Timeline of Events

1. 6:45 PM: Five armed gunmen enter the cafe and begin indiscriminately firing on customers.
2. 8:00 PM: The cafe is stormed by Bangladeshi security forces in a rescue operation that lasted over 12 hours.
3. 8:45 PM: The operation concludes with the death of all five attackers and the rescue of 13 hostages.
4. July 2, 2016: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claims responsibility for the attack.

Victims and Impact

Among the 29 victims were eight Italian aid workers, nine Bangladeshi citizens, one Indian citizen, one Japanese citizen, and eight unidentified foreigners. The attack sent shockwaves through Bangladesh and the international community, highlighting the growing threat of terrorism.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Holey Artisan Cafe attack left a lasting scar on Bangladesh. The government has since taken steps to strengthen its counterterrorism measures and promote interfaith dialogue. The cafe has been rebuilt and reopened, serving as a symbol of resilience and remembrance for the victims and survivors.

Conclusion

The Holey Artisan Cafe attack was a tragic event that shattered the peace of Dhaka and exposed the deadly reach of terrorism. Five years later, the victims and survivors continue to grieve and rebuild their lives, while Bangladesh remains vigilant against the threat of future attacks.