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Foreigners 'abducted' by Islamist militants in Algeria Foreigners 'abducted' by Islamist militants in Algeria
(35 minutes later)
A number of foreigners are reported to have been abducted by Islamist militants in Algeria, diplomatic sources say. Islamist militants in Algeria are reported to have abducted several foreigners, in what the UK Foreign Office says is a "terrorist incident".
Reuters news agency says five Japanese nationals and a French citizen were taken from the town of In Amenas early. The nationalities of those alleged to have been seized in the attack on a British Petroleum facility in the town of In Amenas near Libya are unclear.
Algerian media is reporting that three people were abducted from a BP oil and gas facility in the town, close to the border with Tunisia. BP has confirmed a security incident.
BP said there had been an incident but did not confirm the kidnapping. The Foreign Office said it "was seeking clarification from oil companies working in the area as to whether they have personnel involved".
Early reports said five Frenchmen and a Japanese national had been seized, but a Western diplomat told the French news agency AFP those abducted included British and Norwegian staff.
AFP said the Algerian army had launched an operation to free the hostages.
Islamist militants in the region have in recent years seized a number of foreigners, mainly in Mali. Eight French nationals are currently being held across the region.Islamist militants in the region have in recent years seized a number of foreigners, mainly in Mali. Eight French nationals are currently being held across the region.
The abduction comes as French forces are preparing to attack Islamist militants in Algeria's southern neighbour, Mali.
The abduction comes as French forces are preparing to attack Islamist militants in Algeria's southern neighbour, Mali.