Algeria troops 'continue attack'

on 18/01/2013 12:10:32

The military assault to free hostages held by Islamic militants is continuing at a remote desert gas installation, and the plant's living quarters have been secured, Algeria's state news agency says.

Algerian special forces have killed 18 militants and are continuing the assault on the main gas plant, it said quoting security officials.

Algeria's government has kept a tight grip on information, but it was clear that the militant assault that began on Wednesday has killed at least six people from the factory - and perhaps many more.

Militants claimed that military helicopters opened fire yesterday when they were transporting hostages from the living quarters to the main factory area, and that 35 hostages and 15 militants died in the strafing.