ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) - Islamist militants in Algeria are claiming that 35 of the hostages they'd been holding were killed Thursday after Algerian military helicopters attacked the area where they were held. They claim 15 militants were also killed -- but seven hostages survived.
The spokesman for the Masked Brigade, which claimed responsibility for the attack Wednesday on the Algerian gas plant, told a Mauritanian news outlet the survivors included three Belgians, two Americans, a Briton and a Japanese citizen.
The information came from the Nouakchott Information Agency, which often carries reports from al-Qaida-linked extremist groups.
The militant spokesman said Algerian helicopters attacked the kidnappers as they tried to leave the complex.
Algeria's news agency, citing local police, said four foreign hostages were freed in the operation.
The Algerian government would not immediately comment.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:32:00 GMT
The Texoma Cowboy Church is hosting a walk-a-thon called 'Stomp Out Cancer.' The event will be Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight at 919 U.S. Hwy. 281 South.
The Texoma Cowboy Church is hosting a walk-a-thon called 'Stomp Out Cancer.' The event will be Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight at 919 U.S. Hwy. 281 South.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:23 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:23:52 GMT
The Texas Parks And Wildlife Department will host the 21st Annual Mark Howell Kid Fish Rodeo at Lake Arrowhead State Park. It will be June 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Texas Parks And Wildlife Department will host the 21st Annual Mark Howell Kid Fish Rodeo at Lake Arrowhead State Park. It will be June 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:08:45 GMT
Wichita Falls City Councilors approved a 77 acre reinvestment zone at the Wichita Falls Business Park during Tuesday's meeting. The approval paves the way for a tax abatement for a prospective company
Wichita Falls City Councilors approved a 77 acre reinvestment zone at the Wichita Falls Business Park during Tuesday's meeting. The approval paves the way for a tax abatement for a prospective company
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:27:29 GMT
A train collided with a truck in Wichita Falls sending the vehicle into a ditch. It happened around 4 a.m. Thursday morning on Iowa Park Road south of Loop 11.
A train collided with a truck in Wichita Falls sending the vehicle into a ditch.