Kidnappers free tourists
The week's news at a glance.
Tamanrasset, Algeria
Seventeen Europeans who had been held hostage since March by a militant Islamic group were released last week. The 10 Austrians, six Germans, and one Swede were captured after setting out to explore the Sahara desert. Their captors are still holding 15 tourists. “They said that Osama bin Laden was an idol for them, but that theirs was a separate group,” said hostage Andreas Bleckmann. The hostages said they were treated well by their captors, who wanted to call attention to Algeria’s 1992 elections. The kidnappers say that vote was legitimately won by Islamic fundamentalists who were prevented from taking power by the military.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Today's political cartoons - April 26, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - road to victory, biggest guns, and more
By The Week US
-
5 holier-than-thou cartoons about the Pope's passing
Cartoons Artists take on a new ride, an old hat, and more
By The Week US
-
Creamy kale slaw with hazelnuts recipe
The Week Recommends This slaw with a 'cracking texture' makes the perfect side that will elevate any meal
By The Week Staff