Algerian security forces stormed a gas plant seized by Islamist militants in eastern Algeria on January 17, but several hostages were killed along with the captors in what appears to have been a highly questionable and chaotic rescue attempt.
At least seven foreign nationals were killed after Algerian forces launched the operation, according to a security source quoted by Reuters. However, the kidnappers report that 34 captives died in the assault.
There are no official figures as yet, and several conflicting reports on the number of dead, injured and missing.
Local and foreign sources said the site was still surrounded early Friday by Algerian special forces and some hostages remained inside.
Militants originally stated they were holding 41 foreign nationals and more than 150 Algerians after they seized control before dawn on Wednesday. The hostage-takers demanded Algeria close its airspace to French fighter jets bombing Islamist targets in northern Mali and on France to end its military intervention there.
Several Algerian sources said security forces were given the green light to attack the Islamists after the heavily armed kidnappers asked for safe passage to leave the country with the hostages.
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Latest update: 18/01/2013
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