MOSCOW, November 23 (RAPSI) – Investigators in the Ulyanovsk Region have opened criminal cases on taking hostages and murder following the death of six employees of the Volga-Dnepr airline in the terrorist attack in Mali, Russia’s Investigative Committee’s regional department announced on Monday.

According to the statement, the investigation is underway.  Investigators are establishing facts of the crime. They have begun questioning the injured persons. All necessary examinations will be also made.

On November 20, a group of armed terrorists took 170 hostages at the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, the capital of Mali. At least 19 people were killed in the attack including six Russian nationals. Nine Russians escaped during the siege.