Eleven suspected militants killed in Bangladesh raids

Security forces in Bangladesh have killed at least 11 suspected militants in three raids as part of a crackdown against Islamic extremists.

Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the raids took place on Saturday morning in Gazipur, outside the capital Dhaka, and in the central district of Tangail.

The suspects were allegedly members of the banned group Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh.

Firearms, bullets and meat cleavers were found during the raids.

The government has intensified its crackdown on suspected militants in the country following an attack at a Dhaka restaurant on July 1 left 20 hostages dead, including 17 foreigners.