35 Hostages Dead In Algerian Chopper Attack, Islamists Say

15 captors also dead

The hostage situation in an Algerian natural gas complex appeared to reach a dangerous crescendo Thursday, with Islamic militants claiming that Algerian helicopter attacks have left 35 hostages and 15 captors dead, according to the Associated Press.

Details were still emerging Thursday morning and there was no official confirmation from U.S. or other governments involved on the reported deaths. The British Foreign office did confirm that they were aware of an "ongoing military operation."