Big and Bold against the rights of Americans, but Where his Real Responsibility is: Obama, Clinton Silent on Hostage Crisis

Algerian helicopters killed 35 hostages and 15 of their members, the Associated Press reports.

Obama, Clinton Silent on Hostage Crisis | The Weekly Standard

Daniel Halper

January 17, 2013 9:51 AM

At least two American hostages (and possibly several more) are being held hostage at a gas plant in Algeria, but there's been no word on unfolding the situation from either President Barack Obama or Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

In fact, the only official word to come from the Obama administration is confirmation from the State Department that indeed Americans are being held hostage there.

"[W]e condemn in strongest terms the terrorist attack on British Petroleum personnel and facilities at In Amenas, Algeria earlier today. We are obviously closely monitoring the situation. We’re in contact with Algerian authorities and our diplomatic counterparts in Algiers, as well as with BP’s security office in London," said State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland in response to a reporter's question yesterday.

"The best information that we have at this time is that U.S. citizens are among the hostages. I hope you will understand that in order to protect their safety, I’m not going to get into numbers, I’m not going to get into names, I’m not going to get into any further details as we continue to work on this issue with the Algerian authorities and also with their employers."

-go to link-

2 Americans escape from terrorist group pinned down at Algerian gas complex, officials say

Published January 17, 2013

FoxNews.com

"Security forces have surrounded the area and cornered the terrorists, who are in one wing of the complex's living quarters," Kabila said.

The militant group said Thursday that an strafing run executed by Algerian helicopters killed 35 hostages and 15 of their members, the Associated Press reports. But the claim could not be independently verified.

The group claiming responsibility -- called Katibat Moulathamine or the Masked Brigade -- told a Mauritanian news outlet that its leader, Al Qaeda strongman Moktar Belmoktar, was among the dead in the attack, which occurred when the kidnappers tried to leave the complex. They say seven hostages are still alive in Algeria, including Americans and citizens of the UK, Belgium and Japan.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/17/us-france-reportedly-in-talks-with-algeria-over-hostage-standoff/#ixzz2IGUEOXPY