Unidentified people armed with guns have attacked a hotel in central Mali, killing at least one person. The hotel is frequented by United Nations peacekeepers and foreign tourists.

Gunmen on Friday targeted the Byblos hotel on the road to the airport in Sevare, in central Mali. At least one person died in the incident and the death toll could increase. Residents reported smoke rising from the hotel premises.

In a text message, Malian military spokesman Souleymane Dembele said the army had "encircled the zone and is attempting to enter the hotel." The army was also trying to find attackers and remove them, officials told reporters.

Source: (Reuters)