BBC News with Sue Montgomery.
Islamist militants have attacked and occupied a gas facility in the east of Algeria seizing foreign hostages. The Algerian state news agency says at least two foreign nationals were killed. There has been a confirmation that British, Norwegian and Japanese nationals are among those involved. Washington believes the US citizens are also being held. Here's the BBC's Arab affairs editor Sebastian Usher.
We've heard from an al-Qaeda linked group, we can't confirm 100% either if it is from the group or if that group actually has done what it says. But it says that it is holding 41 hostages, it says that is acting is in retaliation for Algeria's support, for France's military intervention across border in Mali. BP issued the statement making clear that was very difficult for to get information from there, and essentially confirmed that the part of the building, at least a part of the facility is occupied. The Algerian army, the Algerian forces are involved.
A French catering company said 150 of its Algerian employees were being held, but a man claiming to be a spokesman for the group, said Algerian workers had been allowed to leave. French troops are engaged in a ground battle against Islamist in Mali. Armoured France columns have been massing outside the town of Diabaly along with Malian troops. French officials say the militants are well-organized and highly mobile. After French warplanes bombed the town last night, the militants are reported to have abandoned their positions and mingled with civilians.