People flee from the Radisson Blu hotel / Picture from THE GUARDIAN
THE GUARDIAN | Mamadou Tapily in Bamako,Peter Walker and Matthew Weaver in London | NOVEMBER 20 2015
The attack began when a group of gunmen reportedly used a car with diplomatic numberplates to drive into the compound of the hotel before firing at guards, with witnesses saying they also used grenades. About 170 people – including diplomats, businesspeople and airline crew from France and Turkey – were taken hostage. A military official said the gunmen shouted “Allahu Akbar” as they began the attack. Hotel staff said grenades were used.
Malian special forces, assisted by counterparts from the US and France based in the country, stormed the hotel, and were seen on TV footage in the lobby. A security source told Reuters the troops cleared the building floor by floor.
The US Africa Command said forces stationed in Mali helped to secure the scene, while France’s national gendarme service said about 40 French special police
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