BBC Live: Algeria hostage siege
And it says the White House is watching and Barack was informed....with updates...
Thanks Ernest- been following this as closely as I can- appreciate the ping.
Hard to know much yet- so many conflicting reports. According to The Guardian it’s ongoing:
7m ago
The Algerian military operation at the gas field near In Amenas is still going on, the communications minister said on national television.
“Unfortunately we deplore some deaths and some people wounded,” said Communications Minister Mohamed Said Belaid. “We don’t yet have the numbers.
“The operation is still going on” to free hostages, he said.
Belaid said the assault started when the army fired “warning shots” at militants trying to flee with hostages. The hostage-takers, he said, did not stop.
Belaid said the militants were international terrorists and the government would not negotiate with them.
Ahhh yes...the White House speaks:
2m ago
White House spokesman Jay Carney said US citizens are likely among the hostages in Algeria, and the United States is “seeking clarity” from the Algerian government about the situation.
“Unfortunately the best information we have at this time indicates that US citizens are among the hostages, but we don’t have at this point more details to provide to you,” Carney said. “We’re certainly concerned about reports of loss of life, and are seeking clarity from the government of Algeria.”
Asked whether the US has discussed playing a role in rescuing hostages in Algeria, Carney said he didn’t have any information on the point.
“This is an ongoing situation and we’re seeking clarity,” he said.
Barack will probably at least pretend to be a little more on top of things this time. But heck, why not - it’s working out exactly as he wants it to (dead Americans while AQ tries to run off and hide out in their big new safehouse, Libya, provided by one Barack Obama himself).
That said, the fact that this involves other nationals may prevent him from cheering too loudly.
I’m sure any moment now we’ll see the carefully staged photo of Bambi intently staring at a screen with Hillary sitting worshipfully by his side...it’s only a matter of time.