Two arrested in attack on Mali luxury hotel

BAMAKO, Mali, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Two men linked to a cellphone found at the scene of the militant attack on a hotel were arrested Friday.

Mali security forces said the two men are linked to the attack on the Raddison Blu hotel, a luxury hotel in West Africa known to host politicians and businessmen. It is unclear what role the two men took in the day-long siege that left about 19 dead. Both men are in their early 30s.

"They were found after a phone at the scene was connected to both suspects," Army spokesman Modibo Naman Traore said.

At least two armed men stormed the hotel on Nov. 20 taking up to 170 hostages, the worst attack by Islamic extremists on Mali soil in years. Three militant groups have claimed responsibility for the attack. The two gunmen were killed at the scene.