27 people killed in hostage rescue operation in Mali

(Baonghean.vn) - After many hours of trying to rescue hostages kidnapped in the Radisson Blu hotel in the capital Bamako, Malian police and foreign troops rescued more than 150 people from the hands of a terrorist group. However, the number of casualties after the rescue was quite heavy and could be up to 27 people.

There are still no official figures on the number of casualties after the attack and hostage taking at the Radisson Blu hotel. News agencies give different figures, ranging from 18 to 27 people killed, including both guests and hotel staff.

Malian security forces around the Radisson hotel. Photo: Le Monde

According to AFP news agency, quoting a military source, more than three terrorists "were killed or blew themselves up" in the hostage rescue operation.

The Malian government has not yet revealed the nationalities of the victims. So far, Belgium has confirmed that a senior official in Belgium's French-speaking community was killed in the attack.

The terrorist group Al-Nourabitoune - a terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda - has claimed responsibility for the attack. Photo: Le Monde

It is known that, in addition to the Malians, there were at least citizens of 14 countries among the 140 tourists arrested at the Radisson hotel such as France, the US, Belgium, Germany, India, China, Türkiye, Algeria...

Regarding the author of the hostage-taking attack, the jihadist group Al-Nourabitoune - a terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda - has claimed responsibility for the attack on Twitter. Authorities are verifying this information.

A foreign hostage is rescued during a hostage attack in the capital of Mali. Photo: AP

During the hostage rescue operation in Mali, Mail security forces received assistance from the French army, US special forces and the UN Minusma force.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde)