Algerian Hostage Crisis

Militants in eastern Algeria are holding foreign hostages at a gas plant deep in the Sahara desert, heightening tensions in the region since France sent troops into neighbouring Mali on 11 January.

A Briton and an Algerian were killed early on in the attack on the plant at Tigantourine, near In Amenas, where the militants have been surrounded by Algerian troops.

A number of hostages have escaped the Islamist militants who took them captive at a gas facility in eastern Algeria, media and officials say.

Details of the escape and the numbers involved remain unclear, but some 30-40 Algerians and 15-20 foreign nationals were reported to have escaped.

The militants earlier said they were holding 41 foreign nationals.

A siege is ongoing, with Algerian soldiers surrounding the facility near In Amenas.

The kidnappers occupied the complex on Wednesday, after killing a Briton and an Algerian.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21060323

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21056884

The US would like to suggest a UN aligned peace keeping force is sent to erradicate said terrorist militants in order to free hostages. We call upon our allies France and the UK, particuarly the former, for the primary logistical and military support in this crisis.

Original post by JPKC

Original post by cl_steele

Reply 1

Faland

The French Republic would first require consultation with Algeria in order to reach a decision on whether or not we should expand our involvement in the fight againsts Saharan insurgents.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 2

miser

OOC: I work for GE and we got an email about this. Apparently all the GE employees have been accounted for. Algeria's dangerous. :eek:

Sweden's thoughts are with the victims and we are hopeful for a speedy and peaceful resolution.

Reply 3

cl_steele

The UK shall consider the US's proposal although it must be said we are somewhat loathe to involve our selves in another costly foreign war with limited upside.

Reply 4

toronto353

Myanmar is observing the situation and offers our thoughts and prayers to those that are being held captive and their families in what must be a very difficult time for them.

Reply 5

cl_steele

The UK has received news that several British hostages in this, following the Algerian raid, are unaccounted for and we are prepared for the worst. We may yet take up the US's idea for an intervention.

OOC: This thread could make a good start for a hyp considering how many countries are involved in this spectacle and the wider Mali issues [although im sure we've already had a hyp on Mali?]

Reply 6

Wawasan

Malaysia is abhorred by the actions of Algerians to hold foreign troops hostage for legitimate intervention to tackle Islamist terrorists in Mali. We send our condolences to the families of those who have died.

Reply 7

PierceBrosnan

Both the Swiss Confederation, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as well as the Republic of India all send their condolences to those who have been affected in Algerian hostage crisis so far. We condemn the actions of these terrorists and we hope that the situation will be contained and subsequently sorted.