ALGERIAN TOURIST UPDATE:

ALGIERS (Reuters) – Thirty-one European tourists held hostage in the Algerian Saharan desert by unknown assailants are soon to be released, Algerian state radio reported on Monday.

The adventure holidaymakers — 15 Germans, 10 Austrians, four Swiss, one Swede and one Dutchman — disappeared in late February and early March while traveling without guides in separate groups in the deep Saharan desert famous for its ancient grave sites. . . .

Government officials were not available for comment.

The area the tourists were believed to be heading is renowned for its archaeological sites, but also known for arms and drug smuggling and borders Libya, Mali and Niger.

After weeks of media speculation, the North African country confirmed for the first time on Sunday that the tourists were being held hostage and that officials were in contact with the kidnappers.

Authorities have declined to give the hostage-takers’ motives and demands. Algerian media have reported that the armed group was seeking a ransom. . . . Government and diplomatic sources suspect the hostage-takers are armed rebels or local bandits linked to rebel groups.

Some media reports suggest the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) may be responsible for the kidnappings. The GSPC is waging a bloody war against the authorities and is suspected of having links to Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network.

I’m not sure we’re getting the whole story here, but I’m certainly happy to hear that these folks are likely to be free soon.