safely evacuate. not clear if there were any americans that were actually among the hostages. we'll still have to wait for that word. but initial reports that 26 special operations forces were involved in the hostage rescue effort turned out to be totally incorrect. the bottom line is that there were two special operations forces in the vicinity, apparently off duty, probably in civilian clothes and unarmed. one of those special operations forces helped those hotel guests evacuate the hotel. he was down on the main floor or just outside the lobby, ushering the people out. another special operations soldier is at the command center where mali forces, security forces, military police were putting together an assault to try to rescue the hostages and take down those gunmen. so, only two. they were not directly involved in the rescue operation itself.