Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Algeria’s state news service has said de-mining teams are going through the gas refinery that was the scene of a four-day hostage stand-off, searching for explosives left by the Islamic militants who seized dozens of foreigners.

The Algerian government says 32 militants and 23 captives were killed during the three-day military operation to end the hostage crisis at a natural gas plant in the Sahara.

Driven by fears of a heavy winter demand at the end of the year, Opec oil ministers agreed today to immediately pump an extra half-million barrels of oil a day and to approve a similar boost later if prices do not fall.

OPEC oil ministers today joined in supporting a cut in output toward production target levels early next year in a bid by the organisation’s 11 member states to stave off further falls in the world price while trying to avoid a new frenzy of buying.