UPDATE: 18 Bodies Found after Attack at Mali Hotel

Officials say 18 bodies have been found so far after Islamic extremists stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali Friday. 

State TV in Mali says that no more hostages are being held at the luxury hotel. 

Gunmen stormed the hotel, initially taking more than 200 people hostage. 

It’s unknown whether the attackers are still inside.

At least six Americans were evacuated from the hotel. 

Gunfire continued into the late afternoon, and a Commander for the Malian Army said operations were continuing. 

An extremist group, known as the Mourabitounes, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group split from al-Qaida’s North Africa branch two years ago.   In a recorded statement to Al-Jazeera, the group said it wanted fighters freed from Mali’s prisons and for attacks against Northern Mali to stop.