Several explosions were heard in the centre of the Indonesian capital on Thursday, witnesses told Reuters
At least four people were killed on Thursday (Jan 14) when several explosions rocked the Indonesian capital Jakarta.
The Straits Times understands that there was a blast at 10.40 am local time at Starbucks cafe located next to Sarinah shopping mall, which is frequented by foreigners. Another blast went off at a police post between Starbucks and the mall.
Police said the dead so far included three civilians and a police officer. Another two police officers were injured.
Some bodies could be seen on the street near the mall.
Police said a grenade was tossed from a motorcycle and some armed men opened fire. Eye witnesses meantime said they heard seven explosions.
Some 100 police officers, dressed in SWAT attire, were seen gathering near the mall.
'The Starbucks cafe windows are blown out. I see three dead people on the road. There has been a lull in the shooting but someone is on the roof of the building and police are aiming their guns at him,' said a Reuters photographer.
Indonesia has been on edge over recent weeks about the danger of Islamist militants and counter-terrorism police have launched a crackdown on people with suspected links to Islamic State. (kes)
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