Jordan condemns Mali terror attack

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a hotel in Bamako, Mali, on Friday and killed 19 people.

In a cable to Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the King expressed his deepest sympathies over the loss of life, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty wished the injured a speedy recovery.  

On Friday, the government condemned the bloody nine-hour hostage taking, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani stressed Jordan’s firm rejection of all forms of terrorism in different parts of the world. 

Momani, who is also the minister of state for media affairs and communications, asserted that the government stands by the government of Mali in its efforts to combat terrorism.

He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery, Petra reported.  

Mali was hunting Saturday for suspects wanted over the terrorist siege, Agence France-Presse reported. 

The Al Murabitoun group, an Al Qaeda affiliate, claimed the attack.

Gunmen went on a rampage from the early morning, shooting in the hotel’s corridors and taking 170 guests and staff hostage.

The assault, which ended when Malian and international troops stormed the hotel, left 19 people dead as well as two attackers, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said, according to AFP.

The victims included six Russians, three Chinese, two Belgians, an American, a Senegalese and a member of the Malian special forces.

Authorities are now “actively pursuing” at least three people over the attack, one security source told AFP.