30 Algerian Hostages Escape From Gas Facility
Reports are emerging that some western hostages may also have escaped from the compound where they have been held by Islamist militants since early on Wednesday. Reuters is reporting that:
Algeria’s Ennahar television said 15 foreigners, including two French citizens, had escaped the besieged plant deep in the Sahara desert. About 40 Algerians had also been freed, mainly women working as translators, it said.
The agency said a security source had told it that the the captors, who are encircled by Algerian troops, were demanding safe passage out with their prisoners. Algeria has repeatedly refused to negotiate.
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