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.

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.

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.

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

Two Britons and two Filipinos have been killed in the operation by Algerian forces to liberate hostages held by militants in a remote natural gas complex, Algerian state television said tonight.

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

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.

A married 36-year-old Irishman is believed to be unharmed after he was caught up in a terrorist attack on an oil facility in Algeria. He is still a hostage of the militant Islamist group that carried out the attack.