7 killed as gunmen attack hotel frequently used by UN peacekeepers in Mali

Suspected Islamic militia this morning attacked a hotel frequently used by UN peacekeepers in Sevare, Mali, killing 7 people. The gunmen stormed the hotel as early as 8am today, shooting sporadically and gaining access. 1 white man, 4 Malian soldiers & 2 terrorists died in the gun battle.

"It started before 8 a.m. (0800 GMT). I saw a body in front of the hotel. It was a white man but I don't know his nationality," said an eye witness told Reuters.

The hotel is believed to be lodging nationals from South Africa, France and Ukraine. A U.N. source, said that the attackers are still laying siege at the hotel.