Malian security sources say they are hunting at least three suspects over the hotel attacks that killed at least 21 people yesterday.
The country began three days of national mourning and declared a state of emergency, while Russia’s foreign ministry announced that Russians were killed in the attack.
Ten gunmen held 170 hostage inside the hotel and used grenades.
The terror attack unfolded in Mali’s capital where French and UN troops are stationed
Gunmen scream ‘Allahu Akbar’ and free hostages who can recite verses from Qur’an
French hostages
French nationals were among those held in the siege of a luxury hotel in Mali’s capital Bamako on Friday, a source close to French President Francois Hollande said.
“We are still awaiting more precise information that’s been checked out. French people are present. The president is following the situation closely,” the presidential source said
Six Turkish Airlines personnel are also trapped in besieged Mali hotel, and a French presidential source has said there are also French people held in the hotel siege. Xinhua also reportst that there are at least seven Chinese hostages in Mali siege.
A Malian forces spokesperson told AFP that “Special forces were able to free around a dozen people“.
An AFP journalist saw three freed hostages, including two women, who told him they had seen the body of a fair-skinned man lying on the floor of the hotel.
Heavily-guarded hotel
Alfouss?ni Sidibe, an office worker in Bamako, said the Radisson was the choice of diplomats and politicians for meetings and normally heavily-guarded, writes Aislinn Laing.
“This is one of the biggest hotels in Mali and because of the mining conference, I believe there are many people inside,” he told The Telegraph.
“The security police and gendarme are all rushing there. Life in Bamako is normally peaceful so this is a big shock for everyone.” he added.
Read more here
