30 hostages freed after gunmen go on shooting rampage at luxury hotel

Dozens of hostages trapped by gunmen who rampaged through a five-star hotel have been freed by special forces in Mali. About 30 people were escorted to safety as the soldiers surrounded the Radisson Blu in the capital, Bamako. Hostages were being freed floor by floor with the troops closing in on the gunmen, who were heard speaking in English and reportedly got into the hotel driving a car with diplomatic licence plates. As the rescued ran for their lives near the hotel along a dirt road, the soldiers in full combat gear pointed the way to safety. Three people were reported to have been killed as well as three of the gunmen, who were making their way towards the roof of the building.

I woke up with the sounds of gunshots and for me it sounded like small bandits. After 20 or 30 minutes, I realised these are not just petty criminals.

Guinean singer Sekouba Bambino, who was in the hotel

The gunmen stormed the US-owned hotel, which is popular with foreign businesses and airline crews, shooting and shouting “God is great!” in Arabic. They were said to have been firing in the corridors and threw hand grenades. However, they appeared to have allowed some hostages to go if they could recite verses from the Koran. As the gunmen headed to the higher floors, the guests, a mix of Indians, Chinese, Turks and including a 12-strong crew from Air France, were escorted to safety by the Malian troops, There were reports that as many as ten gunmen were involved but the Rezidor Hotel Group, which owns the Radisson Blu, said 125 guests and 13  employees were in the building at the time.

We have sealed all the exit points of the hotel, so be assured none of the hostage takers will be able to escape.

Mali’s interior minister Salif Traore

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