Italian fishermen held in Libya freed after more than 100 days

Release of 18 men seized by Khalifa Haftar's forces ends standoff between countries

Eighteen Italian fishermen, held captive in Libya for more than 100 days, have been freed, ending a political standoff between the two countries over the fate of the men.

The prolonged imprisonment of the group had become an embarrassment for Italy's government, with critics accusing ministers of failing to stand up to Khalifa Haftar, the military commander who holds sway in eastern Libya.