January 13

Somali official says French hostage likely killed

The Associated Press

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A Somali intelligence official said the French intelligence agent held hostage for more than three years by Islamic militants in Somalia was likely killed by his captors during the failed rescue attempt by French commandos.

The official said Sunday that the home where the agent was held was destroyed in the attack Saturday, and that intelligence networks "do not have any information indicating he is still alive." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press. He said that all sources indicated that the agent, known by his code-name Denis Allex, was killed during the attack, most likely by his captors.

The militant Islamist group al-Shabab denies Allex was killed and claims to have a wounded French soldier in custody as well.

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