Algeria Raid Kills 37 Hostages

Islamist attackers came from many countries, authorities say, including 2 Canadians

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2013 3:00 AM CST
Updated Jan 21, 2013 9:44 AM CST

Copied

2 Canadians Among Dead Militants in Algeria — The aftermath of the hostage crisis at the remote Ain Amenas gas facility in Algeria. (AP Photo/Algerie TV )

The hostages weren't the only Westerners involved in the Sahara gas plant crisis, according to Algerian authorities. Security sources say two Canadian Islamists were among the attackers found dead after the crisis came to a bloody end, Reuters reports. Authorities say the militants, who claimed the attack on behalf of al-Qaeda, included people from other African and Arab countries.

At least 37 foreign hostages, hailing from eight different countries, died during the raid, Algeria's prime minister announced today, according to the New York Times. Five more remain unaccounted for. Among the dead are at least two Americans, the AP reports; seven other Americans made it to safety. Twenty-nine militants were also killed in the attack. (More Algeria stories.)

Report an error