BAMAKO: Malian authorities Sunday sought to identify the perpetrators of a hotel siege that ended with the deaths of at least 12 people including five UN workers.

No one has claimed responsibility for the assault, which coincided with a surge in rebel attacks in the region.

The drama began early Friday in the central town of Sevare when gunmen burst into the Hotel Byblos, frequented by expatriates.

The Malian army — along with foreign special forces, according to a Malian military source — stormed the building, bringing the siege to an end nearly 24 hours later.

Reports vary on the numbers and identities of those killed.

The UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said two Ukrainians, a Nepalese and a South African were killed during the siege and subsequent military operation, as well as a Malian driver working for a company contracted by the mission.

An army officer said “five terrorists” were killed in the operation as well as five soldiers and “two whites.”

Four of the soldiers were buried in Sevare on Saturday, with the rural development and security ministers, Boukary Treta and Sada Samake, in attendance, a witness said.

Both the army and MINUSMA said the death toll could rise.

Meanwhile, residents said the army mounted patrols overnight following the siege.

Soldiers could be seen in Sevare as well as along the road to the nearby regional capital Mopti, a popular tourist destination and the gateway to Dogon Country, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A Sevare resident told AFP by telephone in Bamako that the night was calm. “People are starting to go about their business. Everything is returning to normal here in Sevare,” he said.