Terror attack in Mali

This is a developing story from Africa.

From the BBC:

Malian special forces have entered the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako, to end a siege by gunmen. The hotel says 138 people remain inside.

The gunmen stormed the US-owned hotel, which is popular with foreign businesses and airline crews, shooting and shouting "God is great!" in Arabic.

Malian officials said 30 hostages have been freed. State TV earlier put the figure at 80.
Three people have been shot dead and two soldiers wounded, officials say.

Reuters is reporting that hostages who could recite a Quran verse to the terrorists were allowed to leave the hotel.

As with last week's deadly Paris attacks, this assault is taking place on Friday, the day for prayer for Muslims.