ROME -- Two Italians have been 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, police sources said Tuesday.

 The two were 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 Monday evening, the Italian Foreign Ministry said.

 Along with the two Italian citizens, a Canadian man 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. It is not yet known whether the kidnappers had any sort of connection to the abducted, although kidnappings in Libya are commonly carried out with the scope of extortion.

 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.

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