Mali hotel hostages freed after deadly jihadist attack

Four people held in a hotel in central Mali after an attack by Islamic extremists have been freed following a stand-off with the army and special forces that left 12 people dead, Mali’s defence ministry adviser said.

After the operation ended four additional bodies were found in the Hotel Byblos in the town Sevare, including three hotel staff and one jihadi fighter, said Lt Col Diarran Kone.