Algerian Govt: Hostages killed in operation

Algeria's government spokesman has confirmed that some hostages have been killed in a continuing military operation at a desert gas plant, Reuters reports.

In the first official government comments on the day's events, Communication Minister Mohamed Said that troops had been forced to act after talks with the captors failed.

However, he was quoted as telling state news agency APS that there had been "several deaths and injuries" among the hostages.