In a statement the US-based Rezidor group, which owns the hotel, said 140 guests and 30 staff were being held hostage by two gunmen.
“The Rezidor Hotel Group … is aware of the hostage-taking that is ongoing at the property today, 20th November 2015. As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees,” the company said in a statement.
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“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 re-instate safety and security at the hotel,” it added.
Air France said 12 of its crew were staying in the hotel, and Turkish Airlines said six of its staff were caught up.
The Chinese state news agency Xinhua said at least seven Chinese tourists were among those trapped inside the building. It has broadcast a 23-second video clip said to be filmed by one of the hostages: