At least 27 people were killed in a terrorist attack Friday in Mali’s capital city of Bamako, a situation that ended in the early evening there.
The jihadist group Al Mourabitoun, linked to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack. Members of that group stormed a Radisson hotel in Bamako, and at one point were holding more than 100 hostages.
Reuters reported just before noon EST that the hostage situation ended after Malian commandos stormed the hotel. Six Americans were also in the hotel, but were rescued by U.S. Africa Command troops.
National Security Council spokesman Ned Price confirmed Friday afternoon in Washington that the attack had ended, and that the government is coordinating with those on the ground to verify the location of U.S. citizens.
“We extend our deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been killed in this heinous attack,” he said. “We are prepared to assist the Malian government in the coming days as it investigates this tragic terrorist attack.”
President Barack Obama said in Malaysia Friday that he and his team were tracking the situation. “We’re monitoring the situation,” Obama said in response to a shouted question, according to a pool report.
According to the Associated Press, men shouting “Allahu Akbar,” “God is great” in Arabic, stormed the hotel and fired at guests, killing three right from the start. The Daily Mail reported that the gunmen spoke English and allowed Muslim hostages to leave if they recited passages of the Koran.
The situation was unfolding about a week after the Islamic State staged several attacks in Paris that killed 129 people. France declared war on the terrorist group, and after a few days was bombing the group in Raqqa, Syria.
The White House said National Security Adviser Susan Rice briefed President Obama on the situation early Friday morning as he was traveling overseas. Obama did address counter-terrorism efforts broadly in remarks he delivered during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. He said Malaysia is one of many majority Muslim countries that “represent tolerance and peace and as a consequence it’s voice is critical in the debate taking place internationally around terrorism.”
“Malaysia is part of the coalition to fight ISIL and has been particularly helpful on issues like countering the destructive and perverse narrative that’s developed,” he added. “Malaysia’s willingness to host a center that uses all the tools of social media and scholars and clerics to counter this violent narrative is extremely useful.”
Curt Mills contributed to this article
This story was originally posted at 7:06 a.m. and was last updated at 12:24 p.m.
