Islamic extremists stormed into the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Malis capital, on Nov. 20, 2015. At least 170 people were taken hostage. The militants were armed with grenades and guns. U.S. and French special operation forces worked quickly with Malian troops and took back the hotel floor by floor. At least 27 people were killed, including two of the attackers.

An extremist group led by Moktar Belmoktar, a former Al Qaeda commander, claimed responsibility for the attack. With Mali being a former French colony, France saw it as another attack on its interests, coming just a week after the incidents in Paris.

See also Encyclopedia: Mali .

U.S. State Dept. Country Notes: Mali