UAE helps release four civilians held captive in Libya

Four civilians who were held captive in Libya since last year have been released thanks to the intensive efforts made by the UAE in coordination with the Libyan National Army.

According to the national news agency WAM, three Filipinos and a South Korean were held captive by armed groups in west Libya. 

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the detainees, who worked as civil engineers at a desalination plant, have been airlifted to Abu Dhabi before being flown to their home countries.

"Upon receiving requests from the Philippines and South Korea, the UAE communicated with the Libyan National Army to work on releasing them and to ensure their safe return," the statement said.

"As a result of a solid cooperation and coordination between the UAE and the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hafter, search efforts had continued and resulted in finding them.

"The release of these innocent civilians has been made after intensive efforts to convey a message about the significance and importance of strengthening security and peace in Libya, and to contain criminal practices by armed groups who hold civilians captive without any consideration to international charters and norms.

"In this case, they did not consider that these civilians work for companies that are serving national interests of Libya and its people.

"The release of these innocents means reuniting them with their families, and getting them back home after a long period of suffering."