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Algeria hostage Belfast man Stephen McFaul is free Algeria hostage Belfast man Stephen McFaul is free
(35 minutes later)
A Belfast man who was held hostage at a BP facility in Algeria has been freed and has spoken to his wife.A Belfast man who was held hostage at a BP facility in Algeria has been freed and has spoken to his wife.
Stephen McFaul, 36, who was travelling on an Irish passport, was being held along with other foreign nationals.Stephen McFaul, 36, who was travelling on an Irish passport, was being held along with other foreign nationals.
Mr McFaul's 13-year-old son has said he can't wait to give his father "a big hug".Mr McFaul's 13-year-old son has said he can't wait to give his father "a big hug".
Meanwhile, it has emerged that a second man from Northern Ireland is involved in the hostage crisis. He is understood to be from north Antrim. Meanwhile, DUP MP Ian Paisley has said a man from north Antrim has been one of hostages.
No other information is available but it is believed he is travelling on a British passport. "At this present time the situation is incredibly volatile and I am therefore limited in what I can say," said Mr Paisley.
"We are however in constant contact with the FCO regarding any new information that becomes available."
No other information is available.
Stephen McFaul had managed to contact his relatives twice before while in captivity.Stephen McFaul had managed to contact his relatives twice before while in captivity.
But after receiving no further contact since Wednesday, his family made a plea for him to be released unharmed.But after receiving no further contact since Wednesday, his family made a plea for him to be released unharmed.
In a statement, issued through West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, they said they were very concerned about his welfare.In a statement, issued through West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, they said they were very concerned about his welfare.
'Relieved'
But two and a half hours later, he made contact with them to say he was free.But two and a half hours later, he made contact with them to say he was free.
Mr Maskey tweeted after a visit to the McFaul family home.Mr Maskey tweeted after a visit to the McFaul family home.
"Brilliant news on his release. Family delighted," his message read."Brilliant news on his release. Family delighted," his message read.
The Irish Republic's deputy prime minister said: "I am extremely thankful and relieved to learn that the Irish national who was a hostage in Algeria has made contact with his family and is safe.The Irish Republic's deputy prime minister said: "I am extremely thankful and relieved to learn that the Irish national who was a hostage in Algeria has made contact with his family and is safe.
"I spoke with his family yesterday, and I know how relieved they will be that he is well after his ordeal."I spoke with his family yesterday, and I know how relieved they will be that he is well after his ordeal.
"This is the news that we all wanted to hear. At the same time, my thoughts are with the other oil-field workers who are caught up in this terrible situation and with their families who are also waiting for news at this difficult time."This is the news that we all wanted to hear. At the same time, my thoughts are with the other oil-field workers who are caught up in this terrible situation and with their families who are also waiting for news at this difficult time.
"We continue to liaise with the Algerian authorities and with the authorities of the other countries affected by this incident.""We continue to liaise with the Algerian authorities and with the authorities of the other countries affected by this incident."
Four foreign hostages were freed in an Algerian military operation but there were a number of "victims", the official Algerian APS news agency said.Four foreign hostages were freed in an Algerian military operation but there were a number of "victims", the official Algerian APS news agency said.
Algerian soldiers had been surrounding the facility near In Amenas that Islamic militants occupied on Wednesday, after killing a Briton and an Algerian.Algerian soldiers had been surrounding the facility near In Amenas that Islamic militants occupied on Wednesday, after killing a Briton and an Algerian.