A group of 21 Egyptian fishermen were released on Tuesday after being detained in Libya, following efforts by the Egyptian ministry of agriculture, state-run television reported Tuesday.
Agriculture Minister Adel el-Beltagy told state-run newspaper Al-Ahram that the fishermen were released after negotiations with Libyan authorities. He added that the fishermen have left Misrata, Northwest Libya and are on their way to Egypt.
Egyptian fishermen frequently wander into the waters of neighbouring countries, often illegally. Many face detention at the hands of foreign authorities, prompting the Egyptian government to intervene to assist them.
The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly issued warnings to fishermen against illegally entering regional waters.
This comes two days after a video was released on Sunday showing the beheadings of 21 abductees by masked men believed to belong to the Libyan division of the Islamic State Fighters in Iraq and Syria group.
Egypt launched airstrikes on militant targets in Libya, early Monday and is currently facilitating the evacuation of Egyptians wishing to flee the neighbouring country.
Many Egyptians have previously been caught up in the unprecedented levels of violence in Libya.
However, according to foreign ministry figures, the Egyptian community in Libya is estimated to be no less than 500,000.
2015 AllAfrica