AFRICA – Islamic extremists have attacked a hotel in central Mali used by United Nation’s peacekeeping staff.
According to an Associated Press report, the jihadists exchanged fire with the army near the Hotel Debo.
Moussa Bah, the owner of a hotel nearby, said he was told by military personnel that several people have been killed, including jihadists and soldiers. He said the hotel is frequented by staff with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the area.
It is the latest in a series of attacks this year by extremists — who three years ago controlled most of northern Mali — in central and southern parts of the African country.
According to an anonymous resident who spoke to the AP reporter, smoke was coming from the hotel.
“This morning as I was leaving for work I heard shots and saw smoke coming from the Hotel Debo. The area is surrounded by soldiers who told us to return to our homes,” he said.
On Saturday, two Malian soldiers were killed and five were injured when their convoy was ambushed in the center of the country on the road between the towns of Nampala and Diabaly.
