Mali hotel attack: Authorities hunting ‘three suspects’ in connection with

The U.S. State Department said one American was among the dead, though it did not identify the victim out of respect for the family. At least three people are confirmed dead and two wounded, while dozens of hostages have been freed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to Mali over the attack, as a security source revealed a few suspects were still at large. Despite a French-led military intervention in 2013 that drove the extremists from cities and towns, attacks have continued and extended farther south this year, including an assault on a Bamako restaurant popular with foreigners in March.

Reports of gunfire surfaced on Friday morning on social media, although a defence ministry adviser said it was not clear what had happened.

“The hostage-taking is over”.

Six Russians were killed in the hotel attack, Russia’s foreign ministry said Saturday.

The US Embassy tweeted that it was “aware of an ongoing active shooter operation at the Radisson Hotel”, and instructed its citizens to stay indoors. Israel Radio said Shmuel Benalal, an education consultant and executive, was in Bamako advising the Mali government.

Special forces – including Malian, French and two United States soldiers who were also in the area – staged a dramatic floor-by-floor rescue, ending the siege after about nine hours. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he was not aware of any French nationals killed.

A man who worked for a Belgian regional parliament and an American aid worker were also killed.

President Francois Hollande of France has offered to help Mali, a former colony of France.

Traore said at least 10 gunmen are believed to have stormed the hotel early on November 20 shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) with guns and grenades.

Mali plans to boost security measures after al-Qaeda-linked gunmen killed at least 20 people at a luxury hotel in the capital, highlighting risks in a country facing an Islamist rebellion.