Cairo: As many as 71 citizens who requested to return from Libya arrived here on Friday, upon directives given by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to ensure the safety of Egyptians stranded in Libya and reach out to those wishing to return home.

According to State Information Service Egypt, an EgyptAir plane took off earlier today to bring the 71 citizens home after they had previously submitted their data in the Egyptian embassy in Tripoli, in the wake of recent violent clashes in the Libyan capital.

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken all necessary measures to secure the return of all 71 citizens without bearing any financial responsibility.