Radisson Blu Hotel under deadly terror attack

The hotel is a hub for tourists and expatriates. According to reports, at least 9 were killed including French and Belgian citizens. Hostages were taken, including more foreigners. At least 10 terrorists are holding 140 guests and 30 staff at the Radisson Hotel Blu in Bamako, Mali, where ongoing gunfire is reported. Mali security forces are on the scene. Nationalities are unknown at this time.

This is an ongoing shooting attack at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, capital of the West African country of Mali.

The Radisson hotel’s owner, not on site on Friday, said 3 heavily-armed individuals entered the hotel around 7 a.m. The gunmen reportedly arrived in a vehicle with a diplomatic plate and opened fire. The 190-room hotel is 90% full.

The US Embassy in an urgent message warns citizen to follow instructions by local authorities and to monitor local media. The message sent out by the Spanish Embassy seems to summarize the situation a little better: “Explosion and shots fired at Hotel Radisson Blu in Bamako. Don’t move around the city”.

Located west of the city center in the rapidly developing ACI 2000 district, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bamako provides upscale lodging close to many government offices and business sites. This modern hotel features 190 rooms and suites with amenities. It’s confirmed, that western expats and UN personnels are staying in the hotel. The US embassy tweets to citizens to stay in inside in Bamako at this time/

Mali used to be popular with tourists visiting Timbuktu in the North of this country, what is now involved in a civil war.

Just in March five people have been killed in a machine-gun and grenade attack on a bar in Mali’s capital, Bamako.