12 people died during a 24 hour siege when attackers, suspected to be Islamist militants seized the Byblos Hotel, used by UN staff in the town of Sevare, around six-hundred kilometres northeast of the Bamako, Mali, early on Friday.Five soldiers and four gunmen were also killed as Malian forces stormed the hotel and freed four hostages, held by suspected Islamist militants.
Three other hostages were among the dead – a South African, a Russian and Ukrainian, according to the military.Three other hostages were among the dead – a South African, a Russian and Ukrainian, according to the military.The four rescued hostages are said to be UN contractors.Seven suspects have reportedly been arrested.The attack is the latest in a what appears to be a growing campaign against Malian troops and UN workers by a remnant of an al-Qaeda linked insurgency.
Three other hostages were among the dead – a South African, a Russian and Ukrainian, according to the military.Three other hostages were among the dead – a South African, a Russian and Ukrainian, according to the military.The four rescued hostages are said to be UN contractors.Seven suspects have reportedly been arrested.The attack is the latest in a what appears to be a growing campaign against Malian troops and UN workers by a remnant of an al-Qaeda linked insurgency.
