27 dead in Mali Radisson Blu hotel siege

Reuters reports at least 27 people have been found dead at the Radisson Blu hotel.

At least 27 dead in #Mali hotel siege: https://t.co/SzJAI0gn34 pic.twitter.com/Kh6qMRdlmr — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) November 20, 2015

There are no more hostages inside the hotel, but a Malian army colonel told CNN that attackers are still inside the building.

11:30 a.m. ET

Reports say two gunmen have been killed during a hostage situation in Bamako, Mali.

BREAKING: Two gunmen killed in Mali hotel siege: Malian military — Agence France-Presse (@AFP) November 20, 2015

10:54 a.m. ET

According to AFP, there are no more hostages in a siege that took place Friday moing at Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali.

18 people have been killed, including a French national, a Belgian national and two Malian security servicemen.

#BREAKING: Mali hotel gunmen 'holding no more hostages': security minister — Agence France-Presse (@AFP) November 20, 2015

#BREAKING: Eighteen bodies recovered from Mali hotel siege: foreign security source — Agence France-Presse (@AFP) November 20, 2015

At least six Americans were rescued from the hostage situation. Other hotel guests were from India, Algerian, France, Turkey, China and Germany.

According to the Associated Press, a jihadist group known as the Mourabitounes has claimed responsibility for the siege.

A witness told CNN at least two attackers stormed the hotel's lobby entrance while guests were eating breakfast.

The men arrived at the hotel, a frequent destination for inteational travelers and dignitaries, in cars with diplomatic plates. One of the attackers is said to have been wearing casual clothing including blue jeans, a checkered shirt and a cap. A witness said one shooter spoke in a local Malian language.

95 percent of Mali's population is Muslim.

9:25 a.m. ET

Islamic extremists invaded a Radisson Blu hotel in Mali's capital city of Bamako early Friday and took nearly 170 people hostage. 

There are 138 hostages still in the building, according to the Associated Press. Of them, 125 are guests and 13 are hotel employees. 

Threee hostages, including a French national, have been killed, according to the wire service.

Reports say 80 hostages have been freed so far, but a standoff between the militants and special forces continues. French and U.S. special forces are in on the operation.

\"At least one guest earlier reported that the attackers instructed him to recite verses from the Quran before he was allowed to leave the hotel,\" the Associated Press reports. 

President Obama is in Malaysia and has been briefed on the attacks.

The hotel has 190 rooms and was 90 percent full when the siege started, according to the Mirror. The hotel is a frequent destination for business executives and dignitaries. 

It is currently unclear whether the hotel siege is directly related to last week's Paris attacks as the region is Al-Qaeda territory. 

CNN reports the French military does have a presence in Mali and has been for many years. 

The hotel website acknowledged the hostage situation:

\"The Rezidor Hotel Group, operator of the Radisson Blu Hotel Bamako/Mali, is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today, 20th November 2015. As per our information, two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees. Our safety & security teams and our corporate team are in constant contact with the local authorities in order to offer any support possible to re-instate safety and security at the hotel. At this point, we do not have further information and continue to closely monitor the situation.\"