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January 17, 2013

Algeria: U.S. Citizens, Algerian Workers Taken Hostage in Claimed Retaliation for Mali Bombing 
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A group of foreign and Algerian workers have been taken hostage in
Algeria in what their kidnappers call retaliation for the French bombing
of neighboring Mali. The standoff is being described as one of the
biggest international hostage crises in decades. In Washington, State
Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland confirmed Americans are among
the group.

Victoria Nuland: "The best information that we have at this time is that
U.S. citizens are among the hostages. I hope you will understand that in
order to protect their safety I am not going to get into numbers, I am
not going to get into names, I am not going to get into any further
details as we continue to work on this issue with the Algerian
authorities and also with their employers."

Algerian troops have now reportedly surrounded the complex where the
hostages are being held. The government of Algeria had previously warned
against French intervention in neighboring Mali, and has now sealed off
their shared border.

 

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