Algerian forces seek end to four-day stand-off

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.

Algerian authorities gave no clear sign of how many people are still alive or captive at the In Amenas plant in south-east Algeria. The plant is jointly run by BP, Norway’s Statoil and Algeria’s state-owned oil company.