The Ukrainian Embassy in Algeria has said that an anti-terrorist operation has been held at the Byblos hotel in Sevare, Mali, which was seized by gunmen, the hotel was surrounded by the military, and all mobile communications were disabled.

"Ukrainian diplomatic mission is in constant contact with the competent authorities of Mali. At present, measures are being taken to find out the personal data of hostages and if there were citizens of Ukraine among them," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service reported on Saturday.

The case is under special control of the Ukrainian Embassy in Algeria and the Department of Consular Service of the Foreign Ministry.