Six American citizens are among the freed hostages in a Radisson hotel in the West African nation of Mali.  

Attackers rushed into the hotel and took about 170 hostages earlier today. Supporters of an al-Qaeda affiliated group are claiming responsibility for the attack.

U.S. Army Colonel Mark Cheadle said about two dozen U.S. special forces are assisting Mali forces in the capital city of Bamako.

At least three of the hostages are reported to be dead and dozens of people are said to have escaped or have been freed.

President Obama is in Malaysia and is getting regular briefings on the hostage drama from his national security team.

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