Meanwhile Wednesday, Britain's defense ministry announced that Admiral Sir Michael Boyce is to retire from the post of Chief of Defence Staff next week.

CNN: Saddam still in Iraq - UK minister

The French Chief of Defence Staff, Adm Edouard Guillaud, told French radio that he believed Mr Allex was already dead and accused al-Shabab of "media manipulation".

BBC: Somalia's al-Shabab 'to kill' French hostage Denis Allex

Now that the story is in the public domain, the Chief of Defence Staff and I will take advice from the operational commanders about whether his deployment can continue.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Harry leak disappoints army chief