27 hostages and 2 attackers killed in hotel seige by terrorists
AMN /
Mali today began three days of national mourning after a siege by gunmen at a hotel in the capital Bamako left at least 27 people dead. The government also declared a 10-day nationwide state of emergency from midnight yesterday over the assault. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and its offshoot al-Murabitoun have claimed responsibility for the attack.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the horrific terrorist attack, suggesting the violence was aimed at destroying peace efforts in the country. US President Barack Obama said the attack only stiffened the resolve of United States and its allies to combat terrorism and will not allow militants safe haven. Speaking at a summit of regional leaders in the Malaysian Capital Kuala Lumpur, Obama said the attack is another awful reminder that the scourge of terrorism threatens so many nations.
Earlier the hostage crisis at a hotel in Mali capital Bamako has ended, with at least 27 people reported to have been killed in the incident. Some armed assailants had barged into the hotel Friday taking 170 people hostage. Malian and UN security forces launched a counterattack and escorted the people out.
Twenty captured Indians were evacuated unharmed. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in a tweet that all 20 Indians were rescued. She thanked Indian Ambassador in Mali Ajay Kumar Sharma for his initiative in this regard.
Security forces have reportedly killed two gunmen. Witnesses had said that there were around a dozen armed assailants, but AFP quoting the Malian military said that the total number of gunmen was not more than four.
Security Minister Salif Traore has said, the assailants have no more hostages in their hands and the forces are in the process of tracking them down.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and its offshoot al-Murabitoun has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mali has declared a 10-day State of Emergency following the incident.