A hotel in Bamako, Mali has been attacked, with several people reportedly killed and hostages taken:
Gunmen storm #Mali hotel, here's the latest on what we know so far: https://t.co/Lsf28FZuFX https://t.co/IU04oAuM64
— CNN (@CNN) November 20, 2015
Via CNN:
Security forces have begun a counter-assault on a Malian hotel where gunmen took more than 100 hostages Friday morning, French President Francois Hollande told reporters in Paris on Friday afternoon.
The situation began around 7 a.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali’s capital, Bamako, when two or three attackers stormed the hotel, firing guns and initially taking about 170 people hostage, officials said. At least three deaths were reported.
Two armed men initially locked in about 140 guests and 30 employees at the Radisson Blu, hotel officials said. By noon, the country’s state broadcaster, ORTM, reported that at least 80 of the hostages had been freed.
VIDEO: Footage shows police, soldiers outside Mali hotel that was attacked by gunmen: https://t.co/lgYw73RERH
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2015
What we know about the attack on a hotel in Mali https://t.co/n5npMDM7xA pic.twitter.com/I3omP7NTFl
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 20, 2015
#Mali hotel attack: Hotel staff have confirmed there are between "two and four" attackers https://t.co/DS5PoaJPQI pic.twitter.com/9KhIFO9gvL
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 20, 2015
At least three people dead after extremists storm hotel in #Mali and take 170 people hostage https://t.co/TnCSARz2W9 pic.twitter.com/TZpVJU4nXe
— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 20, 2015
Reports some hostages have been freed from Mali hotel if they can recite Koran https://t.co/rtDwbOl2vM pic.twitter.com/CoDmyKY02W
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) November 20, 2015
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According to multiple reports, the terrorists freed hostages who could prove their faith:
Jihadists in Mali hotel siege subject hostages to religious test, free those who swear to Allah==> https://t.co/kjGkM2YOGu
— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) November 20, 2015
Attackers at the Radisson Blu in Bamako asked hostages to recite a declaration of Muslim faith, a journalist said. https://t.co/PkY9bRW1D6
— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) November 20, 2015
.@ronmott with the latest on Mali attack:
-At least 3 killed
-Some hostages let go after reciting declaration https://t.co/AcKf4eWkBC— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 20, 2015
The "attackers asked hostages to recite a declaration of Muslim faith as a way separating Muslims from non-Muslims" https://t.co/6yHoC58LRj
— Nihari (@NihariFan) November 20, 2015
The U.S. Embassy in Mali advises American citizens in the country:
SECURITY MESSSAGE (1/4) The Embassy is aware of an ongoing active shooter operation at the Radisson Hotel.
— U.S. Embassy Mali (@USEmbassyMali) November 20, 2015
SECURITY MESSAGE (2/4) The U.S. Embassy staff has been asked to shelter in place. All U.S. citizens should shelter in place.
— U.S. Embassy Mali (@USEmbassyMali) November 20, 2015
SECURITY MESSAGE (3/4) Private U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact their families.
— U.S. Embassy Mali (@USEmbassyMali) November 20, 2015
SECURITY MSG 4/4 Monitor local media for updates. US citizens should adhere to the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media
— U.S. Embassy Mali (@USEmbassyMali) November 20, 2015
Updates:
#BREAKING: U.S. military spokesman says 6 American citizens are among those recovered in Mali hotel -via @Reuters
— WIS News 10 (@wis10) November 20, 2015
Islamic terrorists have taken +100 hostages in Mali. Their time on earth will be short. US Army Special Forces have arrived. #gogetthem
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) November 20, 2015
UPDATE: Al Qaeda-linked jihadists claim responsibility for an ongoing hostage-taking at a hotel in Mali's capital | https://t.co/vpiBQwckUp
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 20, 2015
Sadly, the death toll has risen since the initial reports:
BREAKING: UN officials: 2 jihadis killed, 27 people slain in Mali hotel attack, operations ongoing.
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2015
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