Heavily armed terrorists struck at the heart of Bangladesh's diplomatic zone in Dhaka on Friday night. (AFP Photo)
US lawmakers have condemned the suspected ISIS attack at a restaurant in Bangladesh where several foreigners have been taken hostage, and called for action against the terror group, even as some stressed on the need to remain vigilant in its aftermath.
"Closely following the situation in Bangladesh. Yet another sign that we must all be vigilant, especially during this holiday weekend," Senator Dianne Feinstein, ranking member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said in a tweet. Many of her colleagues in the US Senate and House of Representatives used the social media platform to condemn the terrorist attack.
"We must disrupt these groups where they recruit, train, and plot to carry out their attacks," Senator Richard Burr, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence said in a tweet, adding that terrorist groups are no longer challenged by the distance to their targets.
US President Barack Obama has been briefed by counter-terrorism officials on the terror attack, a White House official said.
"Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism Lisa Monaco has briefed the President on the ongoing situation in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The President asked to be kept informed as the situation develop," the official said.
Senator Mark Kirk said, "We must stay vigilant against this threat", and sent his "thoughts and prayers" to those involved in the crisis.
Senator and Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, John Corny though, used the terror attack to take a dig at those seeking strict gun control laws in the US.
"Lax gun laws or terrorism? ISIS takes claim for shooting attack in Bangladesh's capital Bangladesh," he said in a tweet.
"From Bangladesh to Turkey to Orlando, we are at war with ISIS. My prayers are with those affected by this latest act of evil in Dhaka," Republican Congressman Ken Buck tweeted, while another Congressman Tim Huelskamp sought an effective policy against ISIS.
"Another ISIS attack. This time in Bangladesh. Obama, Where Is The Plan?" asked Huelskamp. "Terrorist attacks in Bangladesh underscore the need to take the fight to #ISIS. How long before we see that our current strategy is inept?" asked another GOP lawmaker Mark Meadows.
"Devastated by the horrific attack in Bangladesh. Praying for those killed and injured, as well as for the safety of the hostages," said Congressman Joe Crowley.
"Praying all involved in the Bangladesh ordeal are safe and accounted for as soon as possible. Will monitor developments," said Senator Bob Casey.
"Praying for everyone in Bangladesh, including our diplomats," tweeted Senator Thom Tilis, while Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee tweeted, "My sympathy to the people of Bangladesh. Terrorists will not win."
Congressman Mike Honda said his heart went out to those affected by the ISIS terrorist attacks.