Al-Qaeda's north African branch claimed Tuesday it was holding four European hostages seized late last month, as a security source said the hardline cell holding three Spaniards killed a British hostage earlier this year.
   
Frenchman Pierre Camatte was seized November 25 in Mali while the three Spaniards were kidnapped four days later in neighbouring Mauritania.
   
For the first time, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) said it was  holding all four, in a video released by Al-Jazeera television.
   
The spokesman, who identified the Spanish hostages by name, added that  "France and Spain will be informed later of the legitimate demands of the  mujahedeen." He did not go into detail about the demands.
   
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the cell as "very dangerous."
   
The Spanish government said it considered the claim credible, in a foreign  ministry statement.

Source: AFA