DHAKA: A top Islamist militant who ordered a deadly attack on an Algerian gas plant two years ago has been killed in a US air strike.

Mokhtar Belmokhtar and other fighters were killed in the operation in the eastern city of Ajdabiya, a statement from Libya’s government said.

However, there have been incorrect reports of his death in the past.

The Pentagon has confirmed Belmokhtar was the target of a strike but has not said if he was killed, reports the BBC.

“We are continuing to assess the results of the operation and will provide more details as appropriate,” said Pentagon Spokesman Steve Warren.

Born in Algeria, Belmokhtar was a former senior figure in al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), but left to form his own militia.

He gained notoriety with the attack on the In Amenas gas plant in Algeria in 2013, when about 800 people were taken hostage and 40 killed, most of them foreigners, including six Britons and three Americans.

BDST: 0826 HRS, JUNE 15, 2015
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