Algerian forces seek 'peaceful' settlement of dramatic, deadly hostage crisis

	Algerian forces seek 'peaceful' settlement of dramatic, deadly hostage crisis Algerian forces seek 'peaceful' settlement of dramatic, deadly hostage crisis After days of chaos, drama and an untold number of deaths, Algerian special forces troops are holding their fire -- and hoping for a peaceful resolution -- to the hostage crisis at a gas facility in the North African nation's remote eastern desert. Survivors have described their harrowing escapes from Islamic militants who attacked Wednesday. Some invented disguises, others sneaked out with locals, and at least one ran for his life with plastic explosives strapped around his neck. Yet others didn't make it -- either because they were killed or are still being held. Algerian troops earlier this week staged a military offensive that some nations slammed, claiming it didn't make hostages' safety the top priority. For now, they are trying a different tact, the state-run Algerian Press Service reported Friday evening. "The special forces ... are still seeking a peaceful settlement before neutralizing the terrorist group currently entrenched in the refinery, and free a group of hostages who are still detained," according to the official report. It isn't clear how many hostages were seized by the Islamic militants and how many were initially or are still being held. The Thursday military operation ended with 650 hostages -- including 100 foreigners -- freed, while at least 12 were killed, reports the Algerian Press Service. The dead include one American, Frederick Buttaccio, according to US State <b>...</b>	From: Newsforthenation1 Views: 0 0 ratings
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