Gunmen have stormed a luxury hotel in the Malian capital of Bamako, taking as many as 170 people hostage and potentially killing five.
The Radisson Blu hotel, to the west of the centre of the city, is believed to have been “90 per cent full” when the two gunmen stormed the building.
A security source told AFP the attack was unfolding “on the seventh floor, jihadists are firing in the corridor”. Additional reports from local media indicated an explosion may have been heard, with district residents reporting hearing on-going gunfire.
Malian army commander Modibo Nama Traore told the Associated Press as many as 10 gunmen were involved in the assault.
Mr Traore also claimed the men shouted “Allah Akbar” before they fired on the guards and took hostages.
A hotel spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the hostage situation, and that they believed 140 guests had been “locked inside” with around 30 members of staff.
