Washington: The US condemned “in the strongest terms” the attack on the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali’s capital Bamako, and asked Americans to limit their movement there.
“We can confirm that the attack has ended, and we continue to coordinate with the US officials on the ground to verify the location of all American citizens in Mali,” Xinhua quoted White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price as saying on Friday.
Price said that the US “stands with the people of Mali” and “prepared to assist the Malian government as it investigate the tragic terrorist attack”.
At least 27 people were killed on Friday after Malian forces staged a rescue mission to free hostages held by gunmen at the hotel in Bamako.
There were no more hostages held at Radisson Blu hotel, said Mali security minister Salif Traore, hours after gunmen stormed the hotel and held 170 people hostage, many of them foreigners.
“Our embassy there has lifted its recommendation for US citizens to shelter in place,” US State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters. “However, the US Embassy continues to urge all US citizens to minimise movements around Bamako.”