Öykü Altuntaş / Jakarta, Jan 14 () - The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for series of bomb and gun attacks in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which left at least seven people killed on Jan. 14.

An unidentified source told the IS-allied media organ Aamaaq that the group was behind the attack and the assaults targeted foreigners, as well as security officers charged of protecting them. The IS has not made an official statement so far.

The bomb assaults near Sarinah Mall in front of Presidency Palace and the United Nations offices were followed by clashes. Around seven different blasts and various gun attacks have targeted the liveliest zones of the capital. Some 19 people were also injured in the attacks, said Indonesian police.

Assaults also targeted U.S. cafe chain Starbucks and a cinema theatre inside the same building. Some five attackers were killed, Jakarta police spokesman Colonel Muhammad Iqbal said.

“Those who attacked downtown Jakarta were copying the recent Paris attacks and were probably connected to the Islamic State group” has said Indonesia’s national police spokesperson General Anton Charliyan.

Footages showed lifeless bodies lying on streets, and smoke rising in front of a Starbucks cafe.

President Widodo: Situation under control

Local Metro TV said 14 gunmen were involved in the attack. Local media reported that Indonesian President Joko Widodo has arrived at the bomb site after the attacks.

Indonesian TVOne channel reported three of the explosions were in Cikni, Silpi and Kuningan neigborhoods where Turkish, Pakistan embassies are located.

The country hosting a large Muslim population has been on alert against the terror threat of radical Islamist groups, while up to 200 people from Indonesia are thought to have crossed into Syria, in a bid to join the IS.

Some social media users have been showing solidarity with Indonesia by posting the National Monument’s image, adapted to a peace sign similar to the icon used during Paris attacks. Also, the posts were accompanied by the caption #PrayforJakarta.