Tunisia ambassador’s secretary kidnapped in Libya

The secretary to the Tunisian ambassador in Libya has been kidnapped, the foreign ministry in Tunis said on Saturday.

According to an embassy source, the incident occurred on Friday when the kidnappers forced Mohamed bin Sheikh into their vehicle, which had stopped his car in the Ain Zara suburb of eastern Tripoli.

The ministry said it was in contact with Libyan authorities to obtain more information and to step up efforts to secure Sheikh's release.

Tunisia was urging Libyan authorities "to ensure the protection of all employees and agents of diplomatic missions and consulates in Libya," it said.

Libya has been struggling to establish security since its 2011 armed revolt which overthrew longtime leader Muammar Qaddafi.

With the country awash with weapons, the authorities have struggled to integrate militias into a regular army or police force.