Photo: AP

Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci for the first time admitted mistakes in a hostage crisis which killed dozens of people. Medelci conceded that Algeria will need international help to better fight terrorism and said Algeria is reconsidering mistakes made in the episode. The January 16 attack, for which an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization has claimed responsibility, took 41 hostages from US, Europe, and Asia at a gas plant in southern Algeria.  A four-day siege by Algerian forces on the complex left at least 37 hostages and 29 militants dead. Algeria's decision to refuse foreign offers of help drew widespread international criticism.