Three Christians kidnapped by ISIS in Libya

The passport photo of one of the kidnapped men, as released by ISIS on Twitter. Twitter

Three Christians kidnapped by Islamic State in Libya have been identified by the militant group.

Bekhit Nageh Efrak Ebeid, Sekyere Kofi Frimpong and Aedola Ibrahim were abducted by ISIS in Noufliyah, southeast of Sirte – a stronghold for the jihadists. They are now being held in an unknown location.

The men are from Egypt, Nigeria and Ghana, ISIS said in a statement on social media, where they posted photos of the men's passports. Libyan military spokesman, Mohamed El Hejazi, confirmed the abduction.

ISIS is tightening its grip on Libya, where it reportedly kidnapped 86 Eritrean Christians in June.

Earlier this year, Egypt began conducting airstrikes in Libya following the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians in the country by ISIS militants. Speaking to Radio France Internationale in April, Eritrean Catholic Priest Father Mussie Zerai said that Ethiopians and Eritreans were a key target for militants in Libya because the majority of them are Christians.

article,article,article,article,article Related

"Christian people, especially from Eritrea and Ethiopia, are discriminated against in Libya because of the religion issue," he explained. Speaking of the beheadings, Zerai added: "It's not the first time, it's not new — discrimination or bad treatment, all these things. But it's the first time they are targeted in this way. They are killed by ISIS because they are Christian. This is the first time."

Jihadists have now captured several areas, mostly in the east of Libya. Its proximity to Europe is believed to be one of its major attractions. According to Reuters, ISIS has expanded its presence by exploiting chaos and a security vacuum, as it did in Iraq and Syria.

This weekend, church leaders called on the UK government to open Britain's doors to Christians fleeing persecution by Islamic State in the Middle East.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, accused David Cameron of turning his back on fellow Christians, and urged the UK to welcome Christian refugees and give them priority as asylum seekers.

related articles
Analysis: How Islamic State became a \'state\'
Analysis: How Islamic State became a 'state'

Analysis: How Islamic State became a 'state'

Libya: ISIS take 6-year-olds to watch beheading
Libya: ISIS take 6-year-olds to watch beheading

Libya: ISIS take 6-year-olds to watch beheading

ISIS abducts dozens of Eritrean Christians in Libya
ISIS abducts dozens of Eritrean Christians in Libya

ISIS abducts dozens of Eritrean Christians in Libya

Syria: the world\'s \'shameful failure\'
Syria: the world's 'shameful failure'

Syria: the world's 'shameful failure'

Church leaders urge UK to welcome Christians fleeing ISIS
Church leaders urge UK to welcome Christians fleeing ISIS

Church leaders urge UK to welcome Christians fleeing ISIS

News
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder

“Frasier” actor Kelsey Grammer opened up about how he “cursed God” following the murder of his sister, but love — and a “reawakening” that happened while promoting the film “Jesus Revolution” — restored his faith. 

Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg
Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg

Mainz Cathedral in Germany is showcasing the world’s largest Bible page to the public in honour of the 625th birthday of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press and producer of the Gutenberg Bible.

Council backs down on street preaching restrictions
Council backs down on street preaching restrictions

A council in Hampshire has agreed to withdraw attempts to impose a court injunction restricting Christian street preaching and other activities in public spaces. 

The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire
The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire

In the year AD 203, a young woman named Vibia Perpetua stepped into a Roman arena in Carthage, North Africa. The crowd jeered, wild beasts prowled, and death was certain. Yet she did not hesitate.