At least 80 out of the 170 people believed to be held hostage inside the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali’s capital, Bamako, have been freed, Mali State TV reported.
This however runs contrary to a statement by the Brussels, Belgium-based Rezidor Hotel group which operates the hotel in Mali, that 124 guests and 13 hotel employees were still inside the hotel, CNN reported.
Also, three hostages have been confirmed killed in the attack that began at 7 am local time. Of this number, two are said to be Malians and the other a French national.
CNN reported that French special tactical forces have been drafted to assist in the operations for the freeing of the hostages still being held.
American special forces who have been deployed are already assisting security forces already on ground.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.