Somali militants 'will kill French hostage'

Somalia’s al-Qaida-linked militants said today that they will kill a French hostage they have held for more than three years in the wake of a botched rescue operation by the French military.

Al-Shabab said in a lengthy statement that they had decided to kill the French intelligence agent, whose code name is Denis Allex, in retaliation for the failed rescue operation early on Saturday.

Two French soldiers and 17 Somalis were killed during the rescue attempt, French officials say.

France’s defence minister has said Mr Allex is already dead. Al-Shabab has said he was still alive after the rescue attempt.

Today’s statement did not offer proof that he is still alive, or say when he would be executed if he is still alive.

Al-Shabab has been holding Mr Allex since July 2009.