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No French national killed in Mali attack: defense minister

Xinhua, November 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

French defense minister on Friday said no French national was reportedly killed as gunmen stormed a hotel in Mali's capital Bamako.

"At this moment there are no French national (killed), but I remain cautious," Le Drian told the private TV channel TF1.

Armed men stormed earlier Friday a luxury hotel in the Malian capital, taking around 170 hostages, including French and Chinese nationals.

At least 22 people were killed in the attack for which Al Mourabitoun, a group affiliated to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility.

On the sidelines of a meeting on the COP21, the French president has asked French expatriates to be vigilant in "sensitive" countries. He called on those living in Mali to contact the French embassy in Bamako to ensure their safety.

"Life must go on for the economic activity and the development in these countries but it's important in such situation to think about security," he said. Enditem