In Mali, suspected jihadists crying "Allahu Akbar" stormed a tourist resort popular with foreigners on the edge of the capital Bamako today. They briefly seized hostages and left at least two people dead. <br/>'<br/>The assault on the resort comes after a similar strike less than two years ago on a luxury hotel in Bamako, which lies in the south of the troubled country.<br/>'<br/>Security forces battled the gunmen at the site. Nearby residents reported hearing shots. While smoke billowed into the air, at least one building was ablaze.<br/>'<br/>Security Minister Salif Traore told AFP that it was a jihadist attack and Malian special forces intervened and about 20 hostages were released. <br/><br/>Today's attack is the latest in a series of high-profile assaults in north and and west Africa, targeting locals and tourists.