Four people held in a hotel in central Mali after an attack by Islamic extremists were freed Saturday following a long standoff with the army and special forces that left 12 people dead, Mali’s defense ministry adviser said.
After the operation ended four additional bodies were found in the Hotel Byblos in the town Sevare, including three hotel staff and one jihadi, said Lt. Col. Diarran Kone. Officials had earlier announced that five Malian soldiers were killed, two jihadis and a U.N. contractor, bringing the total death toll to 12.
“The operation ended around 5 a.m. Four hostages were freed and four bodies found,” he said. “The operation was led by Mali’s gendarmerie with our partners.”
U.N. mission in Mali spokeswoman Radhia Achouri said the four freed were United Nations employees. She would not give their nationalities, but said they will eventually be flown to the Malian capital Bamako.
Islamic extremists started the attack Friday at the hotel in Sevare, about 600 kilometers (375 miles) north of Bamako.
-ANA
