American Killed in Mali Was From Western Mass.

The sole U.S. victim in the deadly hotel attack in Mali Friday was originally from Western Massachusetts, according to reports.

Anita Datar, 41, was among the more than 20 people killed by terrorists at the Raddison Blu Hotel in Bamako, the capital of the west African country of Mali, according to ABC News.

More than 150 people were taken hostage at the upscale hotel, where armed individuals burst into the building.

Six U.S. citizens were rescued from the hotel, the United States Africa Command reported.

Mali has grappled with Islamic extremist populations, and the Raddison Blu was hosting peace talks at the time of the deadly shootings with diplomats, according to CNN.

Datar was a senior manager at Palladium Group, a Washington, D.C.-based organization focused on international development. Her interest was in improving public health.

“Everything she did in her life she did to help others,” her family said in a statement obtained by The Washington Post.

Datar is listed among the founders of Tulalens, a nonprofit geared toward empowering low-income women to take charge of their health. She served in the Peace Corps from 1997-1999 and earned her master’s degrees in public health and public administration from Columbia University, according to her biography on the Tulalens website.

Datar has a young son who is of elementary school age, according to The Washington Post.

National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said the “tragic terrorist attack” was “heinous,” and he committed: “The United States stands with the people of Mali...”

Full statement from National Security Council spokesman Ned Price on the terrorist attack in Mali:

“The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s terrorist attack on the many Malian and international guests and employees of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako. We can confirm that the attack has ended, and we continue to coordinate with U.S officials on the ground to verify the location of all American citizens in Mali.

“We extend our deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been killed in this heinous attack. Our thoughts and prayers also are with those who have been injured. We commend the bravery of the Malian, French, United Nations, and U.S. security personnel who responded to the situation and prevented even worse loss of life.

“The United States stands with the people of Mali and will remain a steadfast partner to the Government of Mali and others in the region fighting the terrorist groups that seek to undermine Mali’s efforts to build a durable peace following the crisis in 2012 and 2013. We are prepared to assist the Malian government in the coming days as it investigates this tragic terrorist attack.”