Two Italian electrical engineers were freed yesterday in Damascus, after being held for eight days by militants.

They have been identified as Domenico Tedeschi (right), 36, and Oriano Cantani (left), 64. At a news conference in Damascus, Tedeschi told reporters that the two had been captured by five or six masked men, who intercepted their car as it was on the way to the Damascus airport.

 "We were very, very afraid, because we don't know anything," he told reporters.

The men were kept at a small villa at an unknown location.

The Syrian Army found the two Italians at midday on Friday, and immediately began to secure their release.

"The army team that arrived they were very, very professional because it was not hesitated. So, they found us, we explained, it was very quiet, they quiet us and said 'OK, come with us. Now you are safe'," Oriamo Cantani told reporters.

[Picture: EPA]