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1629:
The Algerian military had a plan to retake the facility and there were casualties among both the militants and hostages, including "multiple" deaths, CBS News reports, quoting a diplomatic source.
reports: A US drone has arrived over the Algerian gas plant, giving the US its first look at what is happening.
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1716:
The White House says it is seeking clarity about the events at the gas site.
All contact has been cut between the hostage-takers and the Mauritanian news agency ANI, to which the militants sent statements, the Algerie Focus news outlet reports.