Al-Jazeera and the Associated Press are reporting that 35 foreign hostages held at a natural gas site and 15 captors died in an Algerian military strike.
BREAKING: Militants: Algerian copter attack kills 35 hostages and 15 kidnappers in Sahara standoff
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 17, 2013
Islamist militants have told a Mauritanian news outlet that Algerian military helicopters strafed the gas complex where they are holding hostages, killing 35 of the foreigners and 15 of the kidnappers.
Grain of salt: The report is based on an interview with militant Islamists.
Very confusing situation with Algeria. Reports on hostages killed come from a Mauritanian news agency's interview with a militant…
— Iain Martin (@_IainMartin) January 17, 2013
Al Jazeera is sourcing its reports on hostages deaths in Algeria to the "group holding the hostages." http://t.co/cbdEQyOI
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) January 17, 2013
Reuters reports that 34 hostages were killed.
Reports say many hostages killed in Algeria siege http://t.co/wfd0I1Ba
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 17, 2013
Earlier reports suggested that 20 hostages, including Americans, had escaped.
https://twitter.com/FirstTeamTommy/status/291882704381825024
Other outlets are working to confirm the attack.
True? We're working it. @AP Militants: Algerian copter attack kills 35 hostages and 15 kidnappers in Sahara standoff.
— BILL HEMMER (@BillHemmer) January 17, 2013
Note of caution: Seeing skepticism about report (via AP, Reuters) that hostages, kidnappers were killed in Algeria. WSJ working to confirm.
— Liz Heron (@lheron) January 17, 2013
Twitchy will monitor this developing story and update as additional details become available.
Update:
Algeria Foreign Ministry DENIES bombing gas installation where foreign hostages being held; calls report "complete fantasy"
— RAGreeneCNN (@RAGreeneCNN) January 17, 2013
Recommended
BREAKING: UK @foreignoffice says "Algerian authorities have confirmed there is an ongoing operation." Won't say anything else
— RAGreeneCNN (@RAGreeneCNN) January 17, 2013
The story out of Algeria continues to unfold, with many conflicting and unconfirmed reports:
http://twitter.com/storyfulpro/statuses/291905156654718976
http://twitter.com/storyfulpro/statuses/291908829086629888
The confusion continues:
Snr US official tells me situation remains unclear in Algeria. They are trying to get clarity but just don't know anything for sure
— Martha Raddatz (@MarthaRaddatz) January 17, 2013
Some great news if true:
Reports from Algeria say US hostages are alive following apparent skirmish.
— PETER MAER (@petermaer) January 17, 2013
The latest numbers:
http://twitter.com/hartpandrew/statuses/291923856418033665
https://twitter.com/storyfulpro/status/291924506732290050
One hostage’s family tells the BBC he has been freed:
West Belfast hostage in Algeria,Stephen McFaul, has been freed- he has spoken to his wife.
— BBC News NI (@BBCNewsNI) January 17, 2013
The White House is on it.
UPDATE: White House convening interagency meeting about #Algeria situation – @eliselabottcnn
— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) January 17, 2013
Just before 11 a.m. ET, reports surfaced of an explosion.
Sky Sources: a large explosion heard at Algeria gas complex, away from accommodation block
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) January 17, 2013
.@CBSNews Correspondent David Martin: a US drone has arrived over the Algerian gas plant giving the US its first look at what is happening.
— Charlie Kaye (@CharlieKayeNews) January 17, 2013
From Prime Minister David Cameron:
RT @number10press: #Algeria situation remains very serious & difficult. PM has spoken to Obama and Hollande. @WhiteHouse
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) January 17, 2013
* * *
White House press secretary Jay Carney was asked about Algeria during today’s briefing.
Carney: “The best information we have at this time indicates that Americans are among the hostages.”
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) January 17, 2013
Carney: “We are seeking clarity from the government of Algeria”
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) January 17, 2013
Carney: “We’re in contact with Algerian authorities and our international partners”
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) January 17, 2013
Carney says US hasn’t been able to confirm al Qaeda links to Algerian hostage-takers
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) January 17, 2013
Gasp! The White House is using the T-word.
White House: Condewmn in strongest terms terrorist attack on BP site…closely monitoring situation…in contact with Algerian authorities
— Dan Robinson (@DanRobinsonDC) January 17, 2013
Reuters: White House condemns "terrorist attack" on gas plant in Algeria – http://t.co/2OTPR0Cg
— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) January 17, 2013
More on the unfolding situation:
#Hollande says #Algerian hostage situation unfolding in a "dramatic way."
— Gráinne McCarthy (@grainnemcc) January 17, 2013
As precautionary measure amid hostage crisis, #BP is evacuating group of non-essential workers out of #Algeria.
— Gráinne McCarthy (@grainnemcc) January 17, 2013
There are still hostages being held.
https://twitter.com/storyfulpro/status/291971548791848961
* * *
Reuters is reporting Thursday evening that 30 hostages and 11 of their captors are dead in the siege. Some survivors are en route to London on a flight chartered by BP.
BP chartered plane from Algeria to London expected to arrive later tonight. Some ex-hostages may be on board: sources.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) January 17, 2013
Confirmed/Breaking: 2 American Hostages in route to London.
— Constitution-Strong (@Flyer95UAL) January 17, 2013
BP chartered plane from Algeria to London expected to arrive later tonight. Some ex-hostages may be on board: sources.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) January 17, 2013
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