Libyan assailants abduct 25 Tunisian fishermen in Tunisian waters

A group of Libyan armed men seized Tuesday two Tunisian fishing boats with 25 men onboard in Tunisian waters, Webdo Tunis reports.

Salah Hdider, member of the Tunisian union of farmers and fishermen Wednesday confirmed to a local radio station that the incident took place inside Tunisian waters.

Hdider also indicated that the Tunisian army has launched an operation to free the fishermen, as negotiations with assailants are ongoing.

The union member did not elaborate on the whereabouts of the abducted fishermen.

Such incidents are customary as armed groups in lawless Libya often cross into Tunisia’s maritime territory to kidnap vessels in exchange for ransom.