Daring Evacuation Operation Rescues 17 Indian Nationals Held Captive in Libya

New Delhi, August 21, 2023: In a heroic operation that showcased the strength of international cooperation, 17 Indian nationals hailing from Punjab and Haryana were successfully liberated from the clutches of an armed group in Zwara City, Libya.

The hostages, who had been trafficked from India under the pretense of lucrative job opportunities in Italy, endured harrowing conditions until their safe return to New Delhi on Sunday evening.

The Indian Embassy in Tunis, entrusted with Libyan affairs, was alerted to the plight of these individuals by their concerned family members on May 26. Since then, the embassy remained steadfastly engaged with both the families and Libyan authorities, navigating challenging circumstances to secure their release.

These innocent victims found themselves ensnared in Libya after being deceived by unscrupulous travel agents. The embassy revealed, “The Indian Nationals arrived in Libya after being duped by travel agents under the pretext of lucrative jobs in Italy and were detained by the mafia in Libya.”

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney, a key facilitator of the successful rescue, vehemently condemned the agents responsible for the deception. In a powerful tweet, he declared, “With blessings of Akalpurakh Waheguru jee, we spearheaded the successful evacuation… immediate Firs should be registered against agents who committed this heinous crime.”

The endeavor to secure their freedom saw involvement from Indian Ambassadorial personnel and senior Ministry of External Affairs officials. Following their unlawful entry into Libya, the hostages were initially detained by Libyan authorities. The intervention of Indian diplomats eventually led to their release.

Throughout their stay in Libya, the Indian Embassy extended unwavering support, providing essential provisions such as food, medicine, and clothing. Lacking passports, the evacuees were issued Emergency Certificates to facilitate their journey back home, with the Indian Embassy covering their return tickets.

The rescue mission sheds light on the ongoing turmoil in Libya since the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. The nation remains divided between competing factions, marked by a government appointed by the House of Representatives and the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity.

As these 17 survivors reunite with their families, their ordeal serves as a testament to resilience and international cooperation. The successful evacuation reflects the steadfast dedication of Indian diplomatic efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, even in the most challenging circumstances.