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

Algerian special forces launched a rescue operation yesterday at a natural gas plant in the Sahara Desert and freed foreign hostages held by al Qaeda linked militants, but estimates for the number of dead varied wildly from four to dozens.

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.