7 Dead, 3 Believed Kidnapped in Mali Hotel Attack

Bamkao: Suspected Islamist militants attacked a hotel in central Mali used by United Nations staff today, killing at least five people and exchanging fire with troops encircling the building, residents and military sources said.

Malian military officials also said three Russian pilots were believed to have been kidnapped during the attack, though the Russian embassy in Mali, speaking to the TASS press agency, denied this.

The attack well south of the Saharan desert strongholds of Islamist militants highlights the threat posed by remnants of an Al Qaeda-linked insurgency that appears to be stepping up its campaign against Malian and UN troops.

Smoke rose from the hotel and heavy weapons fire was heard as government forces moved in to dislodge the gunmen, who stormed the building near the airport in Sevare, around 600 km (400 miles) northeast of the capital Bamako, before 8 am (local time).

The body of a white male victim was visible in front of the hotel, a witness said.

Four Malian soldiers died in the clashes and three others were wounded, military officials said. Two attackers, one strapped with explosives, also died.

Military spokesman Souleymane Dembele said an east European and three other personnel from the MINUSMA UN peacekeeping operation were believed to have escaped from the hotel.

Nationals from South Africa, France and Ukraine were thought to have been staying there, he said.

Five hostage takers were believed to be inside the building, he added.