France says hostage situation at In Amenas facility is 'very complicated' 12 hostages have been killed in a security operation to rescue workers held at an Algerian gas facility, according to state media. APS said over 600 hostages were freed from militants at the In Amenas gas plant, south-east of Algeria. These included 573 Algerians and 'around 100' foreign workers. Around 30 foreign workers are still being held captive at the site.
Earlier, the French Foreign Ministry revealed that Algeria kept France informed about latest developments in the hostage crisis.
French spokesman Philippe Alliot said that Algerian officials told them that attacking the plant was the "only option" to free the hostages and avoid international disaster.
Speaking to reporters, Alliot described the hostage situation as "very complicated" given the large number of hostages. "We do not have the official figures and cannot determine the number of Frenchmen involved or what has happened to them," he said.
Meanwhile, Italy and Britain have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the facility.
A statement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident was"a heinous terrorist act." Italian Foreign Minister, Giulio Terzi, said that "the tragic information" coming from Algeria is a heinous act of terrorism, which the Italian government strongly condemns." He added that "Italy confirms its commitment and great determination to fight all forms of extremism and violence and calls for effective international cooperation against terrorism." He concluded the statement by expressing his sincere condolences and solidarity with the countries concerned.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC News channel: "we strongly condemn the terrorist act, deliberately perpetrated against workers in Algeria." He said that the situation in Algeria "is smooth and constantly evolving."