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ROME (AP) — The U.N. special envoy for Libya says his team is trying to gather intelligence as part of efforts to free four Italian construction workers kidnapped there this week.
Bernardino Leon spoke to reporters after meeting in Rome Tuesday with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni. The minister has said Italy is working to establish who abducted the men Sunday night near an industrial complex owned by Italian energy giant Eni.
Leon called on those responsible to immediately release the hostages.
Fighting among tribal factions and militias escalated following the 2011 overthrow and killing of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Smugglers sending migrants across the Mediterranean toward Italy have flourished in the chaos.
Leon has urged the Islamist-led government controlling Tripoli to sign a peace deal to establish a unity government in Libya.
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