MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, at least six people were killed in a series of explosions in the Indonesian capital after several assailants entered the downtown area on motorcycles, carrying rifles and explosives.
"This emergency message is being issued to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid the area around Sari Pan Pacific Hotel and Sarinah Plaza on Jalan Sudirman Thamrin, in downtown Jakarta. Preliminary reports indicate an explosion and gunfire has occurred in the general vicinity and situation continues to unfold," the embassy said in a statement.
According to media reports, three policemen and three civilians were among the victims of the attacks. At least six explosions were carried out, some by suicide bombers.
Several gunmen are hiding out in a crowded cinema, media reported, while a shootout with police is continuing.
