A hostage situation is underway at a synagogue in Texas state of the United States.

A man has taken hostages on Saturday during services at a Texas synagogue.

The hostage-taker has demanded immediate release of a Pakistani prisoner.

The prisoner, a Pakistani neuroscientist, was convicted of trying to kill US officers in Afghanistan.

Initially, at least four persons were taken as hostages, including the synagogue’s rabbi.

However, one of the hostages has been released, local police informed.

“Shortly after 5:00 pm (2300 GMT), a male hostage was released uninjured,” police said.

“This man will be reunited with his family as soon as possible,” it added.

The jailed Pakistani neuroscientist whose release has been demanded is Aafia Siddiqui.

Siddiqui, who had suspected ties with the al-Qaeda, tried to kill US military officers.

She had attempted to kill the officers while in custody in Afghanistan.

The hostage-taker wished to speak to Aafia Siddiqui who is in a federal prison in Texas.

The identification of the hostage taker is yet to be made.

However, many reportedly heard the hostage-taker refer to Siddiqui as his ‘sister’ on livestream.

But, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said that Siddiqui’s brother was not involved.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has been briefed about the hostage situation.

“The President has been briefed on hostage situation,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

Jen added: “He will continue to receive updates as the situation develops.”

On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he is monitoring the situation.

“We pray for the safety of the hostages and rescuers,” Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said.

Hostage situation in Texas synagogue, demand for release of Pakistani prisoner made