Seventeen Indian nationals who were held captive by an armed group in Zuwara returned to Delhi on August 20, according to India's Economic Times.

According to the The Times, the case was brought to the attention of the Indian embassy in Tunis on May 26 by the family members of the stranded Indian nationals. The individuals were being held captive by an armed group in Zwara after they were trafficked to the country.

The Indian embassy in Tunis pursued the matter with Libyan authorities throughout May and June.

On June 13, Libyan authorities were able to rescue the Indian nationals, but kept them in their custody, given that they had illegally entered the country.

Tickets for return to India were also provided and paid for by the Indian embassy, they added.