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Mali attack: Special forces storm hotel to free hostages: Nine reported dead (updated) (video)

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Malian special forces have entered the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako, to end a siege by gunmen. The hotel says 137 people remain inside, BBC reports.

The gunmen stormed the US-owned hotel, which is popular with foreign businesses and airline crews, shooting and shouting "God is great!" in Arabic. Malian officials said 30 hostages have been freed. State TV earlier put the figure at 80. Three people have been shot dead and two soldiers wounded, officials say. Interior Minister Salif Traore said the soldiers' lives were not in danger. Armed gunmen allegedly shouting "God is great" in Arabic stormed the US-owned Radisson hotel in the capital Bamako early this morning. At least 10 jihadists armed with guns and grenades and 'speaking English' stormed a luxury hotel in Mali, it is reported. At least 170 people were taken hostage, including 140 guests and 30 employees, at the popular US-owned Radisson Blu hotel in the capital Bamako this morning. ----- According to latest reports, 80 hostages have been freed. Nine people are reported dead.