Britons taken hostage in Algeria

Jan 16 2013

Britons are among workers kidnapped by Islamist militants at a BP oilfield in Algeria, security officials have said.

At least eight foreigners have been taken in the south of the country, including English, Norwegian and Japanese nationals.

A security official said the attack was at 2am and the militants came from Mali. The Algerian army has since caught up with them and surrounded militants and their hostages.

He said negotiations between the army and militants were continuing.

BP confirmed there had been a "security incident" at their In Amenas gas field in east central Algeria, some 60 miles from the Libyan border.