5 Serbs released from Libya after 21 months in captivity

BELGRADE, Serbia – Officials say five Serbian citizens have returned home after spending 21 months in captivity in Libya.

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic says the men flew back to Serbia on Tuesday following months-long negotiations. He says that "we waited until they crossed the border to inform the families."

Authorities say the men went to Libya to work as construction workers, but were captured by rebels who accused them of being mercenaries fighting alongside Moammar Gadhafi's regime. Serbia had in the past had close economic and military ties with Gadhafi's Libya.

Over a year after toppling Gadhafi's regime, Libya is plagued by lawlessness and violence.