Freed British Hostages Praise Algerian Army

British hostages have spoken of their ordeal in Algeria, praising the army rescue team that saved their lives.

Speaking to state television, one unnamed man said: "I think they did a fantastic job, I was very impressed with the Algerian army.

"I feel sorry for anybody who has been hurt."

Another said: "They've done fantastic jobs, kept us all nice and safe, and fought off the bad guys."

Algerian forces launched their rescue mission fearing an "immediate threat" to the hostages, David Cameron told the House of Commons on Friday.

The rescue attempt ended in a number of deaths

However, the attempt to rescue gas workers taken hostage by al Qaeda-linked militants ended in a number of deaths, including one Briton.

After chairing a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee, the Prime Minister told MPs that the situation in Algeria was "continuing" but he hoped it would be resolved shortly.

He said the attack on the complex was "large, well co-ordinated and heavily armed" and appeared to be pre-planned.

On Thursday night, fewer than 30 British citizens were believed to be "at risk" in Algeria. That number has now been "quite significantly reduced", Mr Cameron said.

A British plane carrying a "diplomatic team" has arrived in Algeria around 280 miles from the hostage scene.

A satellite image shows the scale of the sprawling gas complex

Meanwhile a US plane is beginning the process of evacuating its citizens, and other nationalities.

Reuters has quoted the Algerian News Agency saying 650 hostages have been freed, including 573 Algerians.

Algerian armed forces are said to be seeking a "peaceful" resolution with the hostage-takers.

Foreign Secretary William Hague, who cut short a visit to Australia to return to the UK, said the responsibility for the events of the last two days "squarely rests" with terrorists.

The rescue attempt was launched early on Thursday without consultation with the UK. Mr Cameron was only informed it was under way when he spoke to the Algerian prime minister.

The In Amenas facility is close to the border with Libya

Algerian communications minister Mohamed Said Belaid said the military operation succeeded in "neutralising a large number of terrorists and freeing a large number of hostages".

He added: "But unfortunately, we are sorry to say, there were some deaths and injuries."

Among those confirmed freed include Irishman Stephen McFaul and three Japanese workers.

The militant group believed to have carried out the raid on the In Amenas gas plant - Katibat Moulathamine or The Masked Ones - said it was retaliating for French military intervention against al Qaeda-backed rebels in neighbouring Mali.

The attack began on Wednesday morning when heavily-armed militants launched a dawn raid.

They claimed to have seized dozens of foreign workers, including Britons, Americans, Norwegians and Japanese.

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