One American among 20 killed in Mali hotel attack

Suspected Islamist gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in the Malian capital of Bamako early Friday, killing 20 people or more and taking scores of hostages during a terrifying daylong siege. Attackers swept into the lobby shouting “Allahu akbar!” after exchanging gunfire with security guards and began moving room to room, looking for guests. Those who could recite Koranic verses were freed, military officials told reporters. Gunfire and explosions continued late into the afternoon, as Malian security forces, backed by French special operations troops, surrounded the Radisson Blu hotel and hunted for attackers inside. Malian troops in full combat gear escorted guests from the building, some of them injured.