Mali attack leaves two Europeans, three locals dead
Five people, including two European nationals, have been killed in an attack on a nightclub in the Malian capital city of Bamako.
Security officials confirmed Saturday that two European nationals, one Belgian and one French, were killed after a masked gunman entered a nightclub in Bamako around 1:00 am (0100 GMT) and opened fire on the people.
“This is a terrorist attack, although we're waiting for clarification,” a policeman said, adding that one of his colleagues was among the dead.
Later reports by the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, confirmed that a third Malian has been killed in the shooting.
"Preliminary reports indicate that the attack left at least five dead - three Malian and two foreign,” MINUSMA said in a statement.
Eight other people, including three Swiss national were also injured in the attack which happened in La Terrasse, a popular restaurant and nightclub in Bamako's Hippodrome district.
Interrogation is underway of two suspects arrested by the police whose names and identities have yet to be revealed.
Reports said eyewitnesses have refused to testify on the attack, apparently fearing a reprisal by the militants.
Western governments react
The attack swiftly drew condemnations from the Western governments, with French President Francois Hollande (pictured below) denouncing it as “cowardly.” A statement by Hollande’s office said he will soon meet Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to discuss the issue and to potentially increase France’s assistance to its former colony.
European foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said one of the victims of the attack worked for the EU mission in Mali which helps in training the police and national guard forces in the West African country.
US Secretary of State John Kerry also denounced the attack as "horrific" and "cowardly."
The French embassy in Bamako issued a message cautioning all French national against similar moves.
The attack comes as the government has intensified its efforts for a peace deal with the Tuareg militants, who keep fighting the Malian army for control over Azawad, a northern territory they claim as their homeland.
The militants view France and some other European governments as the main backers of Bamako in the suppression of ethnic movements across the West African country.
MS/HMV/SS
Somalia erupts in massive protests over Israel's recognition of Somaliland
Israel recognizes Somaliland as state, drawing international condemnation
Manhunt underway in South Africa after nine killed in mass shooting
US bears full responsibility for consequences of any fresh aggression against Iran: FM
VIDEO | Sudan’s healthcare system nears collapse amid conflict
VIDEO | Gazans struggle to survive as they welcome New Year
VIDEO | Saudi-UAE rift over Yemen
VIDEO | Saudi airstrikes target UAE-backed forces at Yemen's Mukalla Port
Iran does not fear war; but ‘narrow window of opportunity’ for dialogue remains open, FM says
Iran says $2bn of frozen assets released by neighboring country
Somalia erupts in massive protests over Israel's recognition of Somaliland
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
