Algeria’s four-day hostage stand-off came to a bloody end today when the country’s special forces stormed the remote desert gas plant and killed 11 militants, but not before they in turn executed seven hostages, Algerian state news agency APS reported.

Eleven militants have been killed in a final assault by Algerian special forces on a desert gas facility where workers were being held captive, the state news agency said today.

Algerian security forces are trying to bring to an end a four-day stand-off with Islamist extremists holding foreign hostages at a remote gas plant, a drama that has left at least 12 dead and horrified governments around the world.

A Scottish man held hostage in Algeria has spoken of his relief at being rescued.

An Irish man held hostage in Algeria is expected to be reunited with his family today.

Algerian special forces are continuing to hunt Islamist militants who overran a BP gas plant as freed hostages headed home.

The military assault to free hostages held by Islamic militants is continuing at a remote desert gas installation, and the plant’s living quarters have been secured, Algeria’s state news agency says.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has promised the UK will do everything it can to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the "brutal and savage" attack in Algeria.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to cut short his first foreign visit since taking office to focus on the Algerian hostage crisis.

The family of an Irishman held in the Algerian hostage crisis hope he may be home as soon as today.

Islamist guerrillas are turning the vast Sahara into a new theatre of war against the West, writes Alex Diaz

There has been reports that the hostage crisis in Algeria has ended - but it is not yet known if there are any casualties.

The family of an Irishman held in the Algerian hostage crisis have described their delight at his release after two days of anguish.

The sister of an Irishman freed in the Algerian hostage crisis has described the family's joy.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said the Irish man held captive in Algeria has contacted his family to tell them he is “safe and well” and is no longer a hostage.

Seven hostages are alive in Algeria, including three Belgians, two Americans, a Briton and a Japanese citizen, according to Islamist militants.

Fears are growing today for the safety of western hostages seized by Islamic militants in Algeria amid reports that as many as 35 have been killed during an Algerian helicopter attack.

The Taoiseach has called for the immediate release of a married 36-year-old Antrim man being held captive by Islamic militants in Algeria, as news of a successful escape bid by some of the hostages begins to come through.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has said EU Ministers are concerned about a possible al-Qaida attack in Europe after Islamist terrorists kidnapped 41 people in Algeria.

Troops from Nigeria are expected in Mali today nearly a week after French forces began a military operation to oust radical Islamists from power, according to an official with the West African regional bloc.

Security forces in Algeria have surrounded Islamist fighters who killed two people and have taken 41 foreign hostages, including one Irishman.