Indian peacekeeping force evacuated from Libya: Swaraj

Muscat: A group of Indian peacekeepers in Libya have been evacuated by the Indian embassy in Tunisia, the South Asian country's foreign minister confirmed.

In a statement on Twitter, Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, said, "The situation in Libya has suddenly worsened. There is fighting in Tripoli. The Indian Embassy in Tunisia has evacuated the entire contingent of 15 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel yesterday itself. I appreciate the excellent work by the Indian Embassy in Tunisia."

Swaraj explained, "Indian Ambassador in Tunisia has the concurrent charge of Libya. CRPF contingent is deployed as the Peace keeping force in Tripoli."

The minister also called on Indians in Libya who are in distress to "contact Mr.Mehtab on +218916320278 or Mr.Mustafa on +218924201771 or +218912146640."

Fighting in Libya has worsened after the Libya National Army led by Khalifa Haftar began an offensive on the capital Tripoli. The move has been condemned by the UN and countries around the world who have called for an immediate end to hostilities.