Gunmen have stormed a Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali’s capital city and taken 170 hostage, three people reportedly killed thus far.

It’s unclear as to how many assailants there are although reports suggest 10 armed men have taken 140 guests and 30 employees hostage, arriving in a diplomatic vehicle and opening fire as they entered the hotel. This below from IOL:

Malian army commander Modibo Nama Traore said 10 gunmen stormed the hotel on Friday morning shouting “Allahu Akbar” or “God is great” in Arabic before firing on the guards and taking hostages.

As of yet their identity remains unclear, as does whether or not they are associated with a terrorist group. Then there’s this from News24:

One of the guests said to be staying at the hotel is Nigerian Aliko Dangote – the richest person in Africa.

“I started hearing gunshots coming from the hotel,” said Ibrahim, 28, who works at a cultural centre 40 metres away.

“Soon after I saw one of the guards running out, injured … The security guard told me the shooters were so quick that he doesn’t even know how many came in,” he [said].

Certain hostages who were able to recite verses of the Koran were freed, a security source indicating this amounted to around 20 people thus far.

All we can do is hope for some kind of resolution that doesn’t involve massive loss of human life.

[sources:iol&news24]