Gunmen Take 170 Hostages In Mali Hotel Attack

Around 10 men are said to have launched the gun and grenade attack - French citizens are believed to be among the guests. Islamic extremists have stormed a luxury hotel in Mali and taken 170 people hostage in an apparent terror attack. Around 10 men armed with guns and grenades entered the Radisson Blu in the capital Bamako, shooting and screaming "Allahu Akbar", which means "God Is great" in Arabic.

Malian security services, who have surrounded the hotel, say they have taken around a dozen hostages to safety. A number of hostages including those able to recite verses of the Koran were reportedly freed by the gunmen. Turkish Airlines says it has six members of staff among the hostages, who are also believed to include French and at least seven Chinese citizens. The owners of the hotel, which attracts many foreign visitors, said earlier 140 guests and 30 employees had been "locked in" by two raiders.


http://news.sky.com/story/1591106/gunmen-take-170-hostages-in-mali-hotel-attack