Paris-Style Terror Attacks Leave Seven Dead in Jakarta

News Staff : Jan 14, 2016
CBN News

The attacks came after several warnings in recent weeks by the police that Islamic jihadists were planning something big.

(Jakarta, Indonesia)—[CBN News] At least seven people are dead after a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Indonesia. (Photo via CBN News)

Attackers set off explosions at a Starbucks in a bustling shopping area in Jakarta, and then engaged in gun battles with police for more than two hours Thursday.

A local station reported at least two more explosions in other parts of the capital.

Police said five attackers and two civilians were killed, while 10 people were injured in the attacks.

The attacks came after several warnings in recent weeks by the police that Islamic jihadists were planning something big.

Several hours after the gun battle, which occurred not far from the presidential palace and the U.S Embassy, police declared the area near the Sarinah shopping mall secure.

"We believe there are no more attackers around Sarinah. We have taken control," Jakarta police spokesman Col. Muhammad Iqbal said.

Gen. Anton Charilyan, a national police spokesman, said the attack involved an unknown number of assailants with grenades and guns. He said they imitated the recent "terror acts" in Paris and were likely from the Islamic State group, but gave no evidence.

UPDATE: According to a BBC News report, ISIS has indeed claimed responsibility for the attacks in Jakarta.