In pictures: Mali hotel attack

Malian special forces have stormed a hotel in the capital, Bamako, where gunmen had trapped around 170 people. Here is the story in photos:

Malian troops take position outside the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako on November 20, 2015.AFP

Militants storm the hotel early on Friday morning, shooting and shouting "God is great!" in Arabic.

People being evacuated from Radisson Blu Hotel hotel in Bamako, Mali, Friday Nov. 20, 2015.Moussa Kondo

The hotel is popular with foreign businesses, UN staff and airline crews.

Malian security forces evacuate two women from an area surrounding the Radisson Blu hotel in BamakoAFP

Most of the hostages have been freed - some of the first were those able to recite verses from the Koran.

Malian security forces prepare to transport hostages freed from the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako on November 20, 2015. Gunmen went on a shooting rampage at the luxury hotel in Mali"s capital Bamako, seizing 170 guests and staff in an ongoing hostage-taking that has left at least three people dead.AFP
Security forces gather near the Radisson Hotel in Bamako, Mali.Reuters

Malian security forces stormed the hotel, backed by French special forces and UN peacekeepers.

People being evacuated from Radisson Blu Hotel hotel in Bamako, Mali, Friday Nov. 20, 2015.Moussa Kondo

Indian, Chinese, Moroccan and Turkish citizens were among those staying in the hotel when it was attacked.

Malian troops take position outside the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako on November 20, 2015.AFP

Malian special forces are said to have rescued the hostages "floor-by-floor".