Eyewitnesses reported on Saturday the kidnapping of Abu Bakr Abu Zuhair, the director of Al-Zajil Oil Company, along with Ali Abu Hleika, the company’s administrative affairs director, from his farm in Ain Zara.
The abduction was carried out by four civilian cars carrying 16 armed and masked individuals who claimed to be affiliated with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) “Chemistry Headquarters in Tajoura,” according to Libya Press platform.
Family members of the kidnapped individuals went to the CID Chemistry Headquarters in Tajoura, where officials denied having the kidnapped men in their custody or that the four cars belonged to them.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
