TRIPOLI/TUNIS, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Libyan security on Sunday freed 14 Tunisian workers kidnapped by gunmen a few days ago in the western city of Zawiya, some 45 km west of the capital Tripoli.
"The security directorate of the city of Zawiya managed to free the Tunisian workers. Communication is underway with the concerned authorities to ensure they return safely to their families," said Zawiya security directorate.
The security directorate confirmed that the workers are in good health, and published images of them on its Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the Tunisian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the release of the kidnapped workers and expressed gratitude to the Libyan government for its rescue efforts.
The Tunisian workers were kidnapped on Thursday evening in Zawiya by unidentified gunmen who took them to an unknown location, according to Zawiya security directorate.
The gunmen demanded the release of a Libyan arrested in Tunisia in exchange for the kidnapped workers, according to Tunisian media.
