Italy confirms two hostages kidnapped in Libya freed, in good condition


Italy's foreign ministry confirmed Friday the release of two Italians kidnapped in Libya in July, adding that they were in good health.The ministry "confirms that the two Italians kidnapped in Libya in July, Filippo Calcagno and Gino Pollicardo, technicians of the Bonatti company, are no longer in the hands of their captors," it said a statement."They are now under the protection of the Sabratha military council and are in good health," it added.Pollicardo, 55, and Calcagno, 65, were kidnapped along with two other employees of the Italian construction company near a complex of the Italian oil company ENI in the Mellitah region west of Tripoli, an area known for kidnappings.On Thursday the ministry announced that the two other hostages, Fausto Piano and Salvatore Failla, had likely been killed in clashes between Daesh fighters and local militia fighters near Sabratha.Sabratha has been the scene of intense fighting between local militias and Daesh extremist since a US attack last month on a Daesh training camp on the outskirts of the city that left 50 people dead.Daesh subsequently seized control of the centre of the city only to be pushed back to the outskirts last week.