Channel 4: Algerian crisis: energy giants' security concerns

Energy giants will be rethinking their presence in the region after Islamist fighters seize foreign workers at Algeria's In Amenas field, an energy security analyst tells Channel 4 News.

The In Amenas field is at the heart of an oil and gas region that has attracted international firms in recent years, including BP and Norway's Statoil, who operated the captured plant with Algeria's state firm.

Events this week may change perceptions of an oil industry that has attracted billions of dollars in foreign investment since Algeria's government crushed an Islamist revolt during the 1990s.

That in turn could store up trouble for a government reliant on oil and gas revenues to finance domestic spending.

"For this group to have attacked there, in spite of tremendous security, is remarkable," said Azzedine Layachi, an Algerian political scientist. "Even as an Algerian, I need a special permit to go there." MORE