1 American Dead in Algeria Standoff

2 others may still be in captivity
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 18, 2013 5:09 PM CST
1 American Dead in Algeria Standoff
Algerian police officers guard the entrance of a hospital located near the gas plant Friday.   (AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)

At least one American is among the dead in the Algerian hostage standoff, reports AP. It identifies him as Texas resident Frederick Buttaccio and says US officials recovered his remains from the sprawling gas complex today. NBC News say he was one of five Americans at the plant: Two others escaped at the outset of the three-day siege, and two remain unaccounted for.

The fear is that they are still being held hostage by the al-Qaeda-linked militants, who reportedly demanded today that the US free two convicted terrorists in exchange for their freedom. Algeria says 12 hostages in all have been confirmed killed; it says 100 of 132 foreign hostages have been freed. (More Algeria stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X