At least 19 people were killed during an attack on a hotel in Mali by Islamist extremists on Friday.
The assault occurred on Friday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako, a popular place for international guests and employees from all over the world -- including pilots, flight attendants, diplomats, and businesspeople.
Over 100 hostages are reported to have been taken during the assault, but state television reported 80 hostages had escaped.
It is not clear who is responsible for the attack. However, the blame falls on two Islamic extremist groups: Al-Mourabitoun and a regional affiliate of Al-Qaeda. Jean-Yves Le Drian-- France's defense minister-- affirms that Al-Mourabitoun was "likely behind" the attack, but it cannot be "completely certain of it," according to a French television.
Al-Mourabitoun demanded for the release of imprisoned fighters in Bamako, according to a statement it released on Friday. United Nations officials express concern that the attacks were possibly measures to undermine peace efforts in the region.
Mali has struggled with uprisings and instability due to Islamist extremism since January 2012 when Northern Mali fell captive to rebels and Qaeda-affiliated militants. While French troops reversed much of the damage in 2013 and elections restored democratic government, its authority on the North is weak.
While a peace accord was signed in June between the government and several rebel groups, the truce has been broken numerous times.
