Mali terror attack: Chinese hostage shares video of seized Radisson Blue hotel

Bamako, Nov 20: Jihadists launched a shooting rampage in the Radisson Blu hotel in the centre of the Malian capital Bamako on Friday, Nov 20, security sources and an journalist said. Automatic weapons fire could be heard from outside the 190-room hotel, where security forces have set up a security cordon.

A video allegedly shot by a Chinese hostage was posted by Xinhua news agency. The video was recorded from a hotel room the person was reportedly locked inside, and shows the surroundings of the hotel.

At least seven Chinese tourists are among the hostages at a hotel in Mali's capital Bamako, China's official Xinhua news agency reported. [Mali terror attack: 170 hostages taken at Radisson Blue Hotel; at least 5 dead]

Meanwhile, External Affairs Ministry informed that there are 20 Indians, among 170 hostages in the hotel, but all were safe.

"Indian ambassador in continuous touch with them and monitoring the situation," tweeted MEA.

#MaliAttack : Acc'g to current info there are 20 Indians staying in the hotel. Our Amb is continuously in touch with them & monitor'g sitn

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) November 20, 2015

Gunmen freed some hostages, including those able to recite verses of the Quran, security forces said. Four soldiers, five UN workers and four attackers were killed, say initial reports.

Islamist groups have continued to wage attacks in Mali despite a June peace deal between former Tuareg rebels in the north of the country and rival pro-government armed groups.

OneIndia News