Reports: 30 Libyans Arrested in UAE

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Pro-Islamist Libyan media on Monday reported that some 30 Libyans were arrested in the United Arab Emirates following air raids which U.S. officials said were carried out last month by the UAE against Islamist targets in Libya.

Media, including television channel An-Nabaa, said among those arrested were businessmen with long-standing ties to the UAE, including some from Misrata.

It was unclear why they were being held, the reports said, but the oil-rich Gulf monarchy looks upon Islamist militants in the region as a serious threat and last month toughened its anti-terrorism laws.

Libya has been sliding into chaos since Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown and killed three years ago, with interim authorities confronting powerful militias which fought to oust the veteran dictator.