ROME -- The kidnappers of two Italians captured in south-eastern Libya have asked for a ransom of four million euros in order for the two Italian nationals to be freed, Algerian sources revealed Wednesday on the middle-eastern website, ‘Middle East Eye.’

 The Italian technicians are apparently in the hands of a group led by an Algerian man linked to AQIM -- Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, but who is acting independently from the terrorist organisation.

 This was revealed by Algerian security sources on the site ‘Middle East Eye,’ also adding that the group had asked for a ransom of four million euros. Kidnappings in Libya are commonly carried out with the scope of extortion.

 The two Italians were kidnapped in the south-eastern city of Ghat in Libya by masked gunmen who blocked their car and forced them into a four-by-four vehicle, according to police sources.

 The two were promptly identified as Bruno Cacace, aged 56 who had been living in Libya for 15 years, and Danilo Calonego, aged 66 from the Belluno province, kidnapped on the evening of Sept. 20, the Italian Foreign Ministry said.

 Along with Bruno and Danilo, a Canadian man named Frank was also kidnapped. All three work for the Con.I.Cos, constriction company from Mondovì, that was carrying out important construction projects in the north-African country, like the maintenance of Ghat’s airport.

 The two kidnappers in separate cars, who had been following the three men on their way to work, opened fire on their target vehicle then forced them out of their car. The driver of the car carrying the three men was found with his hands tied in a nearby desert zone.  

 The case is being followed closely by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who is in direct contact with the Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and other relevant authorities, Palazzo Chigi said.

 nkd