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Canadian's body identified as one of those killed in Algeria terrorist ordeal

By Paula Newton, CNN
March 24, 2013 -- Updated 0216 GMT (1016 HKT)
Remains found at the site of a January terrorist attack on a natural gas facility in Algeria have been identified as Canadian.
Remains found at the site of a January terrorist attack on a natural gas facility in Algeria have been identified as Canadian.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • A Canadian is among those killed in a terrorist attack in Algeria, RCMP says
  • This is the second such Canadian; the agency identified another Monday
  • Terrorists took over a natural gas facility in the Sahara Desert for over a month

(CNN) -- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Saturday that another Canadians' remains have been identified from the scene of a terrorist attack on a natural gas facility in Algeria.

On Monday, the same agency announced that a different Canadian were found at the In Amenas facility in the Sahara Desert.

At least 37 hostages were killed in the four-day ordeal, which began December 16 and ended January 19. A number of terrorists also died after Algerian special forces raided the facility.

Soon after the incident ended, Algeria implicated two Canadians in the incident, and Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal accused one of being a ringleader.

Algeria hostage family tells tale
Islamist militants attack oil field

Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers traveled to Algeria to work with officials in that North African country, in light of those claims.

But it is unclear whether the bodies identified this week by the Canadian law enforcement agency belonged to either of the suspects pinpointed by Algerians, or one of the dozens of hostages killed at the gas facility, which employed many Westerners. Neither was named.

"Our investigation into this matter continues and no further information will be given at this time," the RCMP said.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the North African branch of the terrorist movement, claimed responsibility for the attack.

'Mr. Marlboro': The veteran jihadist behind the attack in Algeria

CNN's Greg Botelho contributed to this report.

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