Suspected terrorist attack on tourist resort in Mali

Two dead, one of whom is French-Gabonese

Three attackers killed, one escaped

36 hostages freed

Soldiers in Mali are attempting to end what appeared to be a terrorist attack on a resort popular with foreigners on the outskirts of the capital, Bamako.

At least two people were killed in the attack, which began around 4:30pm at Le Campement, half an hour southeast of Bamako.

"The first victim was a French-Gabonese citizen. We are in the process of confirming the other's nationality," said Baba Cisse, security ministry spokesman.

Moussa Ag Infahi, director of the national police, told The Associated Press that three of the assailants had been killed while a fourth escaped.

The attackers took dozens of people hostage, with security forces in Mali saying that 36 had been freed. It was unclear how many, if any, remained in captivity.