American Killed In Mali Worked To Improve Global Health

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--A Maryland woman is among the nearly two dozen people killed in a terror attack at a luxury hotel in Mali.

WJZ's Amy Yensi has the latest.

Anita Ashok Datar, a 41-year-old woman from Takoma Park, was killed in Friday's terror attack on the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali.

A hotel worker says the gunmen shot anyone in their path, killing at least 19 people--more than 100 others kept hostage during the seven-hour long siege.

Datar was a public health expert, Peace Corps volunteer--devoting 15 years to global health initiatives.

The Maryland victim's family remembers her fondly saying in a statement, "we are devastated by the loss of our wonderful daughter who was doing the work that she loves. We have no further comment at this time and ask that you respect our privacy."

Two terror groups with ties to al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility.

The U.S. State Department said about a dozen of its employees were rescued after security forces went door to door.

"Assisted in helping just simply move people -- physically move people that were trying to escape the hotel and get them to a secure location," said State Department spokesperson John Kirby.

"We're going to have to do everything in our power to address ISIS, al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations because it hits home," said Congressman Elijah Cummings.

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin reacting saying in a statement, "a week of horrifying violence overseas is now painfully felt here at home in Maryland.  Anita Datar strove to make the world a better, more compassionate place…I hope her family can seek some solace during this painful time knowing that she lived a life of meaning."

Datar is survived by her son.

The Mali assault happened exactly a week after the attacks in Paris. French leaders do not believe there is a connection.