25 foreign hostages, including 2 Japanese, escape Algeria siege

More than a few were tourists in very dangerous areas.

Tourists visiting an industrial plant ? All the French and the Algerians employed by a French company (=most hostages) were there for work. The area was isolated, but not dangerous.... so far.

Nigel, compared to other nations, it seemed like they do - when you look at lack of involvement in things, numbers abroad, workers... They listed more than a handful of examples.

I guess the operative word there is "seemed".

Nigel, compared to other nations, it seemed like they do - when you look at lack of involvement in things, numbers abroad, workers... They listed more than a handful of examples.

They then asked Japanese often get taken...

They do? That's news to me.

Just watching the new here and they were listing the numbers of Japanese taken. More than a few were tourists in very dangerous areas. They then asked Japanese often get taken... How about easy targets and the fact that Japan often pays?!?!

I hope for the best ending here but it doesn't seem like like a great one.

The Algerian government was reported as saying two Filipinos and two British hostages had been killed.

The Algerian government stated yesterday that they don't negotiate with hostage-takers. I guess they were true to their word.

Seems my previous comment is now pointless. According to the BBC news site 4 people have been freed so far and it was Algerian forces that made the move. BP being British with British nationals involved its a shame the Algerian government didn't leave this to the UK special forces (SAS & SBS). Would of been a better outcome.

Disinformation coming out from different channels. The end story is likely to be something else.

another source says hostages killed-

http://japandailypress.com/update-34-hostages-15-militants-killed-in-algerian-helicopter-attack-1721755

Yeah sadly for Families but Algerian Special Forces have a reputation of not trying to negotiate nor try to rescue, they just wipe terrorists out and have been doing so since 1995, they have a very simplistic strategy: "Hey if we show them we just dont care about hostages, who would one to try to take some?"

I suppose death is an escape. :P

The news is sketchy at the moment I would wait for an official announcement since it seems nobody has their facts straight yet.

Recent reports are that an Algerian military operation has led to 14 terrorists being killed... and 34 hostages. Check this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21063370

Jesus. My bro-in-law works for the Japanese company involved here. He was due to fly out to Algeria tomorrow..

Did they escape or were they rescued? The article states the place was stormed. Will have to dig around on the net for more info.

Details of how they escaped remain unclear at this time. Wouldn't be surprised if the SAS are involved in this.

Reuters, France 24, Al Jazeera, etc are reporting 35 hostages were killed by the people who were suppose to save them.