Three African Christians in eastern Libya have been kidnapped by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
According to Abouna.org, ISIS claimed responsibility for the act in a statement on social media, publishing the passport pictures of the men, who the terrorist group said, without elaborating, are from Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana.
A resident, asking to remain anonymous, said the kidnapping took place in Noufliyah, which is located in the southeast of the city of Sirte and is an ISIS stronghold. A military spokesman, loyal to the internationally recognized government based in the east, also said the abduction happened in the small town.
In the north African country, the militant group has expanded through the same exploitative measures it did in Iraq and Syria.
Fighting against those forces loyal to Libya’s two governments, ISIS militants have attacked foreign missions in Tripoli and beheaded dozens.Since the start of the nation’s revolution, more than four years have passed. Currently, sources observe how the country’s two competing governments are in the midst of a violent, nationwide power struggle. The target is said to be Libya’s lucrative oil sector– producing most of the nation’s wealth— as well as other assets of value, such as borders and airports. (D.C.L.)