Gunmen suspected to be Jihadists have taken about 170 people hostage after they attacked Radisson Blu Hotel, a five-star hotel in Mali’s capital Bamako this morning. The armed men stormed the hotel and started a shooting rampage. “It is all happening on the seventh floor, jihadists are firing in the corridor,” an unnamed security official told AFP.
Reports of a hostage situation emerged at the Radisson hotel, where several gunmen are said to have stormed just after 7am. Security sources are claiming that some hostages were allowed to leave if they could recite verses of the Koran.
170 hostages are said to be in the building. Among them are 30 employees.
It is also claimed that Air France staff may be in the hotel.
In the wake of the Paris attack, the Radisson Blu hotel paid tribute to the victims with this tweet. The hotel, its guests and staff are now the latest victims of a terror siege.
A vehicle was used to smash through a security barrier at 7am this morning, according to reports. The hotel is said to be the most secure in the country. Two security staff were injured in the initial exchanges of gunfire, it has been reported.
French newspaper Le Monde is reporting that the hotel is regularly used by Air France staff.
Reports are claiming that staff are staying on the seventh floor, where gunfire was reported.