80 hostages freed as Mali special forces start clearing hotel

At least 80 people taken hostage by unidentified gunmen in Radisson Hotel in the Malian capital Bamako have been freed, according to the Malian security ministry. The Mali special forces have also started clearing the hotel as sporadic gunshots were heard, witnesses said. The hotel chain said earlier two gunmen had "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees at the hotel. Among the hostages, close to 10 hostages were Chinese, according to a staff with the Chinese Embassy in Mali. 

20 Indians in Mali hotel under siege

At least 20 Indians were among the hostages inside a luxury hotel when it was attacked by militants in the Malian capital of Bamako on Friday, said Indian officials.

Special forces clear Radisson Hotel floor by floor

Security source and witness said that Mali special forces are clearing Radisson Hotel floor by floor,and sporadic gunfire is heard, according to Reuters.

3 hostages killed, more than 10 released in Mali attack

At least 3 hostages were killed in a gunmen attack of Radisson Blu hotel in Mali's capital, according to Malian security sources, according to Xinhua. Xinhua correspondents at the scene said more than 10 hostages were released and walked out of the hotel.The hotel chain said earlier two gunmen have "locked in" 140 guests and 30 employees at the hotel. Among the hostages, at least 7 are Chinese. A Chinese guest surnamed Chen told Xinhua via Wechat mobile app that he was among a number of Chinese guests trapped in the hotel. Security forces have set up a security perimeter around the area.

Security reinforcements

The Associated Press news agency is reporting that a helicopter is flying above the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako, and that ambulances are "rushing to the hotel". It adds that the UN mission in Mali is sending "security reinforcements", according to BBC.

Mali hotel attack takes 170 hostages, at least 7 Chinese

(Photo/Xinhua)

A luxury hotel in central Bamako, the Malian capital was attacked Friday morning by unidentified individuals, seizing 170 guests and staff, said the group runs the hotel.At least seven Chinese tourists are among the hostages. Witnesses said at least two security officials were killed in front of the Radisson Blu hotel which is the largest one in Bamako with nearly 90 percent of its 190 rooms occupied. Security forces have set up a security perimeter around the hotel where sporadic shootings could still be heard. Members of the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping force in Mali were on the scene.

Military launch raid to free hostages

Mali's military forces launch raid to free the hostages and at least 20 people have been freed so far, according to AP.

Chinese Embassy issues alert

The Chinese Embassy in Mali issued an alert, warning Chinese people there to be on guard and be aware of personal safety and avoid going to crowded places and the accident areas.

Following hotlines are available for any kind of assistance.

00223-78110040 or 00223-20213597 can be dialed for consular protection and assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Mali.

0086-1012308 or 0086-10-59913991 is an emergency rescue hotline of the Chinese Foreign Ministry to provide consular protection and assistance to Chinese citizens.