Seven Iranian aid workers kidnapped in Libya

Tripoli, Aug 1 (IANS) A group of seven Iranian aid workers have been kidnapped in Libya's Benghazi city, said an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) official.

The seven men, from the Red Crescent Society of Iran, were hauled away Tuesday from their vehicle on the way back to their hotel by unidentified kidnappers in the port city, Xinhua quoted the Libya branch of the ICRC.

The organisation urged the kidnappers to release the aid workers, stressing that they are official guests to help the Libyan city with its relief efforts after the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

The driver for the Iranian team, a Libyan volunteer, was, however, spared in the kidnapping which is the biggest of its kind in recent months, according to the ICRC branch.