‘Dozens feared dead’ after gunmen go on shooting rampage at luxury hotel

Dozens of hostages are feared dead after gunmen rampaged through a five-star hotel in Mali. The siege was broken by special forces soldiers after a prolonged gun battle but UN peacekeepers say they counted 27 bodies in the aftermath of the attack. Other reports suggested 18 people had been killed in the assault on the Radisson Blu in the capital, Bamako. Up to 140 people were staying in the hotel and many were led to safety as the gunmen moved up through the building towards the roof.

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 and 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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