18 bodies found after jihadists attack Malian hotel

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) - Malian national television reported that no more hostages were being held at a luxury hotel after a day-long siege by Islamic militants.

National broadcaster ORTM, citing security officials, said 18 bodies already had been at the hotel and that no more hostages were being held. A source with Mali's U.N. mission said at least 12 bodies had been recovered from the hotel. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

It was not immediately clear whether attackers were still alive inside the hotel.

Gunfire continued into the late afternoon, and Malian army commander Modibo Nama Traore said operations were continuing.

An extremist group that two years ago split from al-Qaida's North Africa branch claimed responsibility for the attack on the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako.