Two Italians and one Canadian have been kidnapped in the southwestern Libyan city of Ghat, local authorities declared on Monday.

Ghat Municipality said gunmen abducted the three foreign engineers between 7-8 am on Monday in the road between Ghat and Tahal region.

The two Italian construction workers were identified as Cacace Bruno and Danilo Calonego while the Canadian worker was only identified as Frank. The three are working for the Libyan branch of Italy's CON.I.COS. Contratti lnternazionali Costruzioni S.p.A.

Ghat Municipality confirmed that the abduction has no links to Al-Qaida groups and that an outlaw kidnap group is behind the abduction.

"We strongly condemn this incident and we are working with local security authorities for the safe return of the abductees," the municipality said.

The Italian foreign ministry confirmed the abduction.