WASHINGTON - The White House says a U.S. citizen was among the 20 hostages killed in attack on a restaurant in Bangladesh.

Spokesman Josh Earnest has confirmed the death Saturday. An identity has not been released.

Earnest says the U.S. government has offered assistance to Bangladeshi authorities as they investigate what happened.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.

Earnest says the attack was a "despicable act of terrorism" and the U.S. stands with Bangladesh and the international community to confront terrorism wherever it occurs.