Libyan PM’s aide kidnapped in Tripoli

An adviser to Libya’s Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, has been abducted in the capital Tripoli, a government source has confirmed. Mohammed Ali al-Shental was kidnapped Sunday evening, while driving past a checkpoint in the suburb of Tajoraa. His family have confirmed that they spoke to him shortly before his kidnapping. An investigation has now been launched, although the kidnappers have yet to be identified. "No-one knows where he is. They left his car, probably thinking it could be traced,” said one government official. In recent months, the Libyan government has stepped up efforts to control the widespread trade of weapons in the country which began during the disposal of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. This is the latest kidnapping in the country, which has seen an increase in abductions in recent months. Last week, five British nationals in relief convoy, heading for Gaza via Libya, were kidnapped by militants. Two of the victims, who were sisters, were allegedly raped in front of their father.