30 Algerians and 15 foreigners captured by Islamist extremists in Southeast Algeria have escaped, according to Algerian media on Thursday. The Algerian army has sent helicopters to attack the In Amenas gas field where 41 hostages are being held.

A photo of the In Amenas gas field in Algeria, where Islamist militants took dozens of foreign hostages (photo: AFP)

The ANI news agency quoted a kidnapper as saying that the air strike killed 34 hostages and 14 kidnappers, but the report has not yet been confirmed. The kidnappers have said they will kill the hostages if Algerian air strikes on the In Amenas gas field continue. The hostages were taken on Wednesday in retaliation for the French military intervention in northern Mali. The gunmen have demanded that 100 Islamist prisoners be exchanged for the hostages and that all Algerian troops withdraw. Algeria’s Interior Ministry says the government will not negotiate with terrorists.