Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Algeria has renewed operations at a leading natural gas
facility attacked by Al Qaida.

Officials said the Algiers government oversaw the launch of Ein Amenas, the largest liquified natural gas facility in the North African state. They said production at Ein Amenas began on Feb. 24, more than a month after the complex was attacked and taken over by Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb.

Algerian state radio said the first of three gas streams — or about 35 percent of capacity — was renewed. The radio said the decision to renew Ein Amenas, run by British Petroleum and Statoil, was relayed by Prime Minister Abdul Malek Sellal.

On Jan. 16, AQIM captured Ein Amenas, and in the four-day standoff more than 60 people were killed, including 37 hostages. Officials said the state-owned energy monopoly, Sonatrach, has been recruiting security guards
to protect Ein Amenas and other energy facilities.

  Abdul Malek Sellal, Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, Algeria resumes production at gas facility, British Petroleum, Ein Amenas, One month after Al Qaida attack, Sonatrach, Statoil, the largest liquified natural gas facility