Seven Iranian aid workers abducted by unknown armed group in Libya

Seven Iranian aid workers have been abducted by an armed group in Libya, according to Reuters.

Citing reports from security sources, Reuters said that the seven men, who were part of an Iranian Red Crescent relief mission, were pulled from their vehicle in the eastern city of Benghazi while traveling to their hotel. The identity of the armed group is unknown.

The abduction was "the biggest operation of its kind against foreigners since the start of a revolt that toppled long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi," Reuters said.

The Libyan Red Crescent Association confirmed the incident, and, according to to Reuters, urged for the release of the Iranian workers in a statement.

Two weeks ago, the president of the Libyan Olympic Committee was kidnapped by gunmen in Tripoli. He was freed a week later, according to the BBC, by kidnappers whose identity was unclear. In a separate incident, two Libyan journalists were kidnapped near the former Gaddafi stronghold of Bani Walid earlier this month, the BBC reported.