Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia condemned on Friday the terrorist attack on a hotel in the country’s capital Bamako which resulted in killing, wounding and taking many hostages.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s extreme denunciation and condemnation against this terrorist act. The source stressed Saudi Arabia’s firm stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, whatever its motives and justifications and whatever its source.
The official source conveyed the Kingdom’s condolence to the families of the victims as well as to the government and people of Mali and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, at least 27 people were reported dead on Friday after Malian commandos stormed a hotel seized by extremist gunmen to rescue 170 people, many of them foreigners, trapped in the building, Al Arabiya reported. The militant group Al Mourabitoun, allied to Al Qaeda and based in the desert north of the former French colony, claimed responsibility for the attack. The former French colony has been battling rebels for years.
More than seven hours after the initial assault, a security source declared the drama over, along with the deaths of two militants. But the security ministry said gunmen continued to hold out against special forces on the top floors of the seven-storey building. “The attackers no longer have hostages. They are dug in in the upper floors. They are alone with the Malian special forces who are trying to dislodge them,” spokesman Amadou Sangho said.
US special forces helped in the rescue of at least six Americans, a military spokesman told reporters in Washington. Footage also showed French security forces at the scene and witnesses also saw UN troops.
See also: 80 freed as extremists attack luxury hotel in Mali’s capital
