Malian forces end a siege at a hotel after attackers take foreign hostages

Malian security forces have ended a deadly siege in the town of Sevare, Mali, after Islamist militants attacked the Byblos Hotel in an attempt to kidnap foreigners. At least 12 people are dead.

Advice

Islamist rebels have been operating in northern Mali for a number of years, however, this attack on a hotel popular with United Nations pilots represents an escalation. Sevare and the town of Mopti in central Mali are the core of the country’s tourism industry and, until this weekend, been spared the attacks that occur more commonly in the northern towns of Gao and Timbuktu.

Many countries advise against tourist travel to Mali in general since the safety and security situation is unstable. If you travel to Mali, maintain a high level of vigilance for personal safety.