FX.co ★ Bombs and gunfire rock Indonesian capital

Several explosions and shootings occurred at Jalan Thamrin, Central Jakarta on Thursday morning, January 14, 2016. Police authorities had rushed to the scene and immediately set up a perimeter. The suspected bombers failed to escape from the scene of crime. Besides, people heard the exchange of small arms fire.

The local mass media reported that at least seven blasts were heard in the capital. The first one occurred in Strabucks, a popular café situated in the Djakarta Theater. The second bomb explosion took place at the traffic police station near Sarina, a large shopping center. The third attack was performed by a suicide bomber not far from the police station.

It is reported that seven people including five terrorists were killed as explosions and gunfire hit central Jakarta on Thursday in an attack later claimed by jihadi militant group Isis.

Armed police, snipers and armoured vehicles were deployed on the streets of the capital. On the photo: Soldiers of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

Jakarta Composite Index, the benchmark stock index of Indonesia, dropped by 1.2% to 4,483.3 points on the background of attacks. The rupee declined by 0.8% to 13,940 against the US dollar.

The central part of Jakarta is cordoned off by the local police. The US embassy said it would remain closed on Friday as a precaution and warned US citizens to avoid the area where the attacks took place.