Allex was an agent of the DGSE, France's equivalent of the CIA and a part of its defense ministry.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The moves came after French forces engaged in a fierce gunbattle with militants in their attempt to rescue hostage Denis Allex, who was a member of the DGSE, France's equivalent of the CIA and a part of its defense ministry.

CNN: U.S. supported France's failed hostage rescue in Somalia