BAMAKO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A luxury hotel in central Bamako, the Malian capital was attacked Friday morning by unidentified individuals, seizing 170 guests and staff, said the group runs the hotel.

At least seven Chinese tourists are among the hostages.

Witnesses said at least two security officials were killed in front of the Radisson Blu hotel which is the largest one in Bamako with nearly 90 percent of its 190 rooms occupied.

Security forces have set up a security perimeter around the hotel where sporadic shootings could still be heard. Members of the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping force in Mali were on the scene.