Algerian hostages in northern Mali released

ALGIERS: Seven Algerian diplomats taken hostage in rebel-held northern Mali have been released, Algeria's El Watan newspaper reported on it website on Sunday, citing its correspondent in Mali.

There was no immediate comment on the report from the Algerian authorities.

The diplomats were abducted late last week from the town of Gao, part of a swathe of territory in northern Mali now under the control of Tuareg-led separatists.

A spokesman for the separatists said an rebel group with ties to the separatists was behind the abduction.

The hostages include Algeria's consul in Gao and six consular staff, according to the Algerian foreign ministry.