NBC News Summary of the Mysterious Algerian Hostage Crisis – Video Report 1/17/13 UPDATED: Report Indicates “One American & Up to 30 Brits” Killed in Botched Algerian Raid; Al-Qaeda Kidnappers Want to Swap Remaining Hostages for Jailed Terrorists
Here’s a good rundown from NBC News on the mysterious Algerian Hostage Crisis. As of this morning, there is still a great deal that is unknown about the reported “rescue” mission attempted by the Algerian Military, and just how many casualties there were.
UPDATED 1/18/13, 9:25 AM ET: The UK Daily Mail has an article updating with more information on what has happened so far:
*’Battalion of Blood’ gunmen had one aim… to ‘kill infidels and Christians’: American and up to THIRTY Brits among dozens of hostages killed in botched raid on Al Qaeda gang at Algerian gas field
*An American from Texas is among those feared dead after the bloody raid by the Algerian military
*Of seven US hostages, two escaped unharmed yesterday from the hostage standoff Kidnappers want to swap two Americans for jailed terror figures
*Fierce gun battles erupted as troops moved in on the Islamists at a BP site in Algeria
*Source said 30 hostages were killed, of whom the nationalities of 15 had been established
*The Obama administration was not aware of the raid ahead of time
*Algerian officials said 18 militants have been killed but there were estimated to be 70 in total
*Captors are now threatening to attack other energy installations
*Algeria also ignored offers of help from the SAS and American special forces
White House in constant contact with Algerian government, first priority is safety of hostages: White House spokesman
— Reuters Politics (@ReutersPolitics) January 18, 2013
France’s PM said several hostages have been killed in the military assault at the gas facility. on.wsj.com/VOA1us
— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) January 18, 2013
