Gunmen have stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali’s capital of Bamako, holding 170 people hostage, 140 of whom are guests and 30 hotel employees.
The 190-room luxury hotel is frequented by Western foreigners, most of who are believed to be trapped inside.
Although the number of assailants cannot be determined at this time, various reports say it ranges between 2 and 10.
The jihadists reportedly attacked the hotel as early as 7 am this morning, heavily armed with guns and grenades, security sources told The Telegraph.
According to RFI, a source said the attack was launched by three armed men who entered the hotel’s premises in a diplomatic car, which meant they could not have been searched.
The security sources also said that the jihadists have been telling hostages to recite verses from the Quran and they would be freed. At least two women have been escorted from the hotel, according to The Telegraph.
Security forces including police and the military have cordoned off the area.