A number of foreigners are reported to have been abducted by Islamist militants in Algeria, diplomatic sources say.
Reuters news agency says five Japanese nationals and a French citizen were taken from the town of In Amenas early.
Algerian media is reporting that three people were abducted from a BP oil and gas facility in the town, close to the border with Tunisia.
BP said there had been an incident but did not confirm the kidnapping.
Islamist militants in the region have in recent years seized a number of foreigners, mainly in Mali. Eight French nationals are currently being held across the region.
