Panetta speaks with Martha Radatz on ABC News. (Screen shot/ABC News)

Panetta told Martha Radatz during an interview with ABC News, "I don't think there's any question that, based on what we do know, that this was a terrorist act and that the terrorists have affiliation with Al Qaeda."

Though he was unsure of the motivations, Panetta's disclosure is more than the White House has been willing to say.

Press Secretary Jay Carney said the administration had "heard reports of people taking responsibility" but that the White House could not officially confirm the claims.

So is it only a matter of time until the administration does? Read more at Politico, and more of Neon Tommy's Algeria coverage here.

Reach Executive Producer Catherine Green here. Follow her here.