Anadarko has beefed up security in Algeria -CEO

Feb 5 (Reuters) - Anadarko Petroleum Corp said on Tuesday said it has stepped up security at its facilities in Algeria following a deadly gas plant siege by Islamist militants in January.

"As I'm sure you can expect, we have taken appropriate actions with Sonatrach and with the Algerian government to enhance security for people and our facility," Anadarko CEO Al Walker told analysts on a conference call.

Walker declined to provide additional details, but said his company remained committed to Algeria. Sonatrach is Algeria's state-owned oil company.

At least 80 people were killed in a bloody showdown between Algerian security forces and armed hostage takers in the In Amenas gas field located in the Sahara desert.

Anadarko and its partners are currently producing oil from its Hassi Berkine South and Ourhoud projects in the Sahara. At its El Merk development, sales volumes are expected to increase steadily throughout 2013, Walker said.

Anadarko on Monday reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded analysts expectations, helped by an 8 percent increase in oil and gas production, lower expenses and better gas price realizations, analysts said.

Shares of Anadarko rose $1.50, or nearly 2 percent, to $82 in morning New York Stock Exchange trading.