Mali

by Atta-Ul Naseer, Imam & National President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’ at Greece

Mali declared a ten-day state of emergency following the hostage siege, which took place at a hotel in the capital Bamako on Friday.

Suspected Islamist militants had seized 170 people hostage in the Radisson Blu hotel in the centre of the capital before the building was stormed by security forces.

Pope Frances gave a sermon that was filled with frustration. He said: “Christmas is approaching: there will be lights, parties, Christmas trees and nativity scenes… it’s all a charade. The world continues to go to war. The world has not chosen a peaceful path.”

At least 27 people are feared dead after Islamist extremists with guns and grenades stormed a luxury hotel in Mali, SkyNews reported on Friday.

The TV channel attributed the information to UN peacekeepers, who have seen the bodies in the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali's capital Bamako.  

Special forces stormed the hotel and escorted guests out.

The hostage situation at Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali, is finally over according to the AFP.

AFP citing statements of the Minister of Security of Mali has reported that there are no more hostages in the hotel. Based on information, 27 people were killed in today’s bloody attack and among the victims is one Belgian citizen.

Gunmen entered this morning the Radisson hotel of the Rezidor Hotel Group in Bamako, Mali’s capital holding 170 people hostage.

According to The Wall Street Journal, a Mali military spokesman said three people had been killed in the attack, but did not elaborate on the specific circumstances or their identities.

EU ministers agreed Nov. 20 to get tough on border security after the devastating Paris attacks, as prosecutors said a third body had been found following a police raid on the ringleader's hideout.

Special forces stormed the hotel in Bamako, the capital of Mali, where up to 170 people are believed to be held hostages by suspected Islamists.

The attackers targeted the Radisson Blu Hotel in the centre of the capital, which is popular with expats working in Mali.

Gunmen launched an attack at a hotel in Bamako, the capital of Mali, in an apparent attempt to take hostages on Friday.

The attackers targeted the Radisson Blu Hotel in the centre of the capital, which is popular with expats working in Mali.

The police has surrounded the area and is blocking the roads leading into the neighbourhood, the BBC informs.

At least 27 people have been killed after gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Mali's capital and took around 170 hostages on Nov. 20, a U.N. official told Reuters, while seven Turkish Airlines staff members in the hotel have been rescued.