UPDATE #Mali Forces release 80 of 170 hostages at Radisson Blu Hotel in #Bamako

Malian special forces enter the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako, where suspected Islamists are holding dozens of guests and staff hostage. The alleged terrorists are said to be three in number armed with AK47 automatic rifles. The 30 hotel staff and 140 guests have been held hostage since the early hours of Friday and we are now learning that 80 hostages have been freed. Mali TV footage shows special forces during their operation.

The hotel is a popular spot for foreigners, expats and others in the French liberated country. France is also active in Mali  in the war against Al-Qaeda in the region and has special forces present in the country with more on the way. At press time, three people have been killed, two Malians and a French national. Authorities have no specified whether any was a hostage or alleged terrorist. Stay tuned to Petals FM on Twitter @PetalsFM