Isis in Syria kidnaps 300 construction workers

More than 300 construction workers have been abducted from an area near Damascus by a group linked with Islamic State, according to Syrian state media.

The workers and contractors from Badiyeh Cement Company were taken hostage by the militant group on 7 April, with a source from the country's Ministry of Industry that the company has lost contact with the people who have been abducted, SANA News Agency reported.

It is believed that the workers are being transported to an area on the outskirts of Eastern Ghouta where Isis groups are active, after a witness reported seeing the hostages in vehicles bearing the Isis flag.

Further details about the kidnapping are not currently known, although it is believed the cement company has not received any demands from Isis or affiliated groups, while the Ministry of Industry is thought to be working on locating the hostages and attempting to secure their release.

Although Isis has not claimed any responsibility for the abductions as yet, it is believed that either the group or a militant organisation affiliated with them is responsible for the kidnapping, given the target and area hit.

The country is currently in a state of flux, with many Syrians attempting to flee threats from Isis, the civil war and air strikes.

More than 250,000 people have been killed in Syria since fighting broke out between government forces and opponents of President Bashar al-Assad in 2011.