A Jihadist group has claimed that its forces carried out the attack on a hotel in the capital of Mali that left more than 27 people dead.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said “a chill went around the room” at a meeting of EU ministers as they were told of the attack in Mali.

Suspected Islamist gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Mali’s capital yesterday, firing automatic weapons and seizing more than 100 guests and staff in a hostage-taking incident that left at least 27 people dead.

At least 19 people died when Islamic extremists armed with guns and grenades stormed the Radisson hotel in Mali’s capital.

Islamic extremists armed with guns and grenades stormed the hotel in the west African country's capital, with security forces later freeing guests floor-by-floor.

The Taoiseach is advising Irish citizens not to travel to Mali following an attack by Islamic extremists today.

Latest: There are no more hostages left in the luxury hotel attacked by gunmen in Mali, according to state TV. Twenty-seven people are reported to be dead.