Dubai employees among hostages in Mali attack

20 Dubai-based employees were among the hostages held as militants attacked a luxury hotel in the capital Bamako. The Indian citizens who work for a trading company in the UAE were evacuated from the building along with 150 other people, many of them foreigners. At least 19 people were killed during the assault, which ended as Malian special forces stormed the hotel. The firm’s owner, Dev Bulani was quoted saying the terrorists attacked Block A of the complex, while his staff stayed in Block B. A spokesperson from the Indian External Affairs Ministry confirmed the safety of the employees, as confirmed by the Indian Ambassador in Mali.