Islamic insurgents attacked an Algerian military convoy in Jijel east of Algiers leaving at least one soldier dead. The deadline for the fate of the kidnapped Austrian nationals has been extended after Austrian government officials made contact with the al Qaeda-linked kidnappers. In exchange for the Austrians, the kidnappers are demanding the release of five al Qaeda members including Amar Saifi, known as El Para or the Paratrooper, a leading figure in the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC).
