Malian special forces have reportedly entered the luxury hotel in Mali where Islamic extremists took 170 people hostage this morning.

"They've penetrated inside the hotel. The operations are under way," a police source said.

Around 10 men armed with guns and grenades entered the Radisson Blu in the capital Bamako, shooting and screaming "Allahu Akbar", which means "God Is great" in Arabic.

The head of security said they arrived aboard a vehicle around 7am local time and forced their way through a security barrier.

A military official said at least three people have been killed. Two security guards were injured in the assault.

Malian security services, who have surrounded the hotel, said they had freed around a dozen hostages.

A security source said a further 20 were released by the gunmen after being made to recite verses from the Koran.

An AFP journalist at the scene has said two women who were freed told him they had seen the body of a fair-skinned man lying on the floor of the hotel.

Turkish Airlines said seven of its staff were among the hostages, but five including two pilots have managed to escape.

The hostages also include 20 Indians, seven Chinese and French nationals.

The owners of the hotel, which attracts many foreign visitors, said earlier 140 guests and 30 employees had been "locked in" by two raiders.

"The Rezidor Hotel Group... is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today, 20th November 2015," the company said in a statement.

"As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees."

The statement added: "Our safety and security teams and our corporate team are in constant contact with the local authorities in order to offer any support possible to reinstate safety and security at the hotel."

Source: http://news.sky.com/story/1591106/deaths-as-dozens-held-hostage-in-mali-hotel