UK-based oil and gas major BP has announced that 14 of its 18 employees who were at the In Amenas gas facility in Algeria at the time of the attack, have left the country.
Earlier, the company informed that the employees were safe. BP said now it is in touch with the families of the other four employees and offering possible assistance and support.
BP group chief executive Bob Dudley expressed his concern for the colleagues and feared one or more fatalities among their number.
"It is with great sadness that I now have to say that we fear the worst for them all. We are doing all we can to support their families and ask everyone to show them consideration and to respect their privacy," Dudley said.
"The terrible events of last week have affected every one of us at BP deeply. Many of us have friends and colleagues, both in BP and in other companies, who have worked at In Amenas or in similar facilities.
"We are mindful that many others – from partners, contractors and other companies – have died or remain unaccounted for. Our thoughts are also with their families, friends and loved ones at this time," Dudley added.