Gunmen arrived in diplomatic cars at 07:00 GMT and forced their way through a security barrier. Two private security guards have been injured in the attack. The gunmen have released some hostages including those able to recite verses of the Koran. French soldiers have also been deployed around the hotel. French troops have been in Mali since January 2013 to assist the Malian army in its fight against jihadists in the north of the country. The hotel is very popular with foreigners.The hotel management is working to establish the names and nationalities of those caught in the hostage situation. There are unconfirmed reports that Air France crew is stationed at Radisson Hotel’s seventh floor, where the gunmen are holed up.
Update
Security forces swept through the luxury hotel in Mali’s capital on Friday, freeing hostages. Militants killed at least 20 people at Radisson Blu hotel. Three U.N. staff members in the hotel during the attack were safely evacuated. An al-Qaeda-linked group asserted responsibility for the attack.
