Algeria Hostage Death Count Slow as Hunt Continues at Plant

An accounting of deaths in the hostage crisis at a remote natural gas facility is trickling out of Algeria, where security forces have been combing through the large complex seeking al-Qaeda-linked militants and about 30 foreigners whose fate is unknown.

The U.S. took custody of the remains of an American, Frederick Buttaccio of Katy, Texas, who was found dead at the complex in Algeria’s southeastern desert, according to a U.S. official who wasn’t authorized to speak on the record. Buttaccio’s death was confirmed by State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, who said in a statement that “out of respect for the family’s privacy, we have no further comment.”