WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US citizens and government personnel in Mali can leave shelter as the hostage rescue operation in a hotel in the country's capital of Bamako has concluded, US embassy in Mali said in a security message on Friday.
“Malian authorities report the security incident at the Radisson Hotel has concluded,” the message said. “The US Embassy is lifting its recommendation for US citizens to shelter in place.”
Earlier on Friday, several gunmen took 170 people hostage in a Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako. A small team of US Special Operations Forces assisted Malian military with the hostage rescue efforts. As many as 27 people died in the incident, according to the United Nations.
The US embassy urged Americans to minimize movement around Mali’s capital and remain vigilant of their surroundings.
Mali has been in turmoil since 2012, when violent extremist tribes took control over large areas in the north of the country, and various Islamist groups, including the Boko Haram, initiated operations in the country.
