Islamic Extremists Storm Hotel in Mali, Hold 170 People Hostage

Gunmen identified as Islamic extremists have reportedly killed three and kept 170 people hostage at a hotel in Balmako, Mali this week as security forces attempt to deal with the hostage situation.

The hostage situation at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Balmako was reportedly ongoing on Friday as authorities attempted to free hostages from the hotel grounds. Authorities had reportedly successfully freed about one dozen people, although dozens more still remain trapped in the hotel.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, which owns the Radisson hotel in Balmako, said in a statement that hotel management is cooperating with authorities to free the hostages.

"Our safety and security teams and our corporate team are in constant contact with the local authorities in order to offer any support possible to reinstate safety and security at the hotel," the hotel company said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for the hotel group added to NBC News that the militants "have locked in about 140 guests and about 30 employees, so the hotel is locked down and there is no possibility to go out or come in."

"As per our information the persons who have entered the building and have initiated the hostage-taking have locked the property, so it is not locked by police or other forces," the spokeswoman added.

The U.S. Embassy in Mali has also confirmed the hostage situation, advising U.S. citizens to seek shelter as there is an "ongoing active shooter operation" taking place in the hotel.