Russian Embassy In Mali

Five foreigners have been evacuated and a "number" of hostages freed after they were trapped by gunmen in a hotel standoff with soldiers in central Mali that left at least seven people dead, military sources said early Saturday.

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.

Five foreigners have been evacuated and a "number" of hostages freed after they were trapped by gunmen in a hotel standoff with soldiers in central Mali that left at least seven people dead, military sources said early Saturday.

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.