Algerian Hostages freed

A major hostage situation at a gas plant in Algeria has ended.

Algerian T.V. broadcast video purporting to show the country’s minister of energy and mines visiting freed hostages at a hospital in an unidentified location. The Algerian military stormed the plant Thursday in an effort to free hostages being held by Islamic militants.

The Algerian government says 32 militants and 23 captives were killed during the three-day military operation. The provisional death toll was issued by the interior ministry today after the special forces conducted a final raid on the gas plant today. Almost 800 Algerian and foreigner workers were freed over the course of the standoff.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says Canada condemns the Algerian kidnappings, calling the attacks “deplorable and cowardly.”

The minister says it’s believed no Canadians or dual nationals were among the hostages and a permanent resident of Canada who was at the site is safe and has left Algeria.

The minister says while the full scale and exact details of the situation remain unclear, Canadian officials remain in close contact with Algerian authorities to seek further information.