BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) – The head of Sabratha council said two Italian hostages were freed on Friday from Islamic State group custody in the western Libyan city.
Hussein al-Zawadi told The Associated Press that Gino Pollicardo and Filippo Calcagno were freed from a house in a northwestern district of Sabratha. The area has seen fierce fighting between IS fighters and Sabratha’s local forces, a coalition of militia and forces loyal to the government in Tripoli.
The Italians had managed to break down the front door themselves, and local fighters came to their aid after being tipped-off by neighbors, al-Zawadi said.
He said the Italians were in a “good condition” although they had not eaten in a week.
“They are in a safe place now and undergoing medical treatment,” al-Zawadi said. “They will be transferred to their country sometime soon,” he added.