Canada & Algerian extremists: Canadian connection to Algeria attack

While some Canadians might be shocked to hear that at least one Canadian citizen was involved in last week's terrorist attack on a gas plant in Algeria, experts are not surprised. They say the region is becoming a recruitment ground for Islamist extremists from all parts of the world. Today, we're asking about the name uttered by the Prime Minister of Algeria referencing Islamists responsible for last week's dramatic hostage taking, the name of a man alleged to be Canadian and complicit.

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Canadian connection to Algeria attack - CSIS

Many were likely surprised when Algeria's Prime Minister announced that two of the hostage takers in last week's terrifying attack on a natural gas plant -- were Canadian.

Canadian officials are still trying to verify that.But if it is true, our next guest won't be terribly shocked.

Michel Juneau-Katsuya is a former intelligence officer and senior manager with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, or CSIS. He's now CEO of the Security Intelligence company called The NorthGate Group. We reached him in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.

Canadian connection to Algeria attack - AP Correspondent

Algeria's prime minister claims other foreigners were also involved in last week's attack. The government says individuals from Egypt, Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Tunisia -- are all members the Masked Brigade.

The brigade not only claims responsibility for the hostage taking, it promises more attacks against France for its military intervention in Mali. And it warns it will attack any country that supports France in its fight against Islamic extremists.

Paul Schemm is the Associated Press' North Africa correspondent and we have reached him in Rabat, Morocco.

This segment was produced by The Current's Lara O'Brien, Idella Sturino and Vanessa Greco.

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