The deadline for the release of two Austrian hostages held captive by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has expired. A new Internet statement posted in the name of al Qaeda demanded the release of two Islamists detained in Austria and the withdrawal of Austrian troops from Afghanistan in return for the lives of two Austrian hostages. The two Islamists are thought to be terror suspects who were jailed in Vienna on March 10 for distributing a video threatening attacks in Austria and Germany.
