BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — The head of Sabratha council says two Italian hostages have been freed from Islamic State group custody in a western Libyan city.

Hussein al-Zawadi told The Associated Press that Gino Pollicardo and Filippo Calcagno were freed Friday from in a house in a northwestern district of Sabratha. The area has seen fierce fighting between IS fighters and Sabratha's local forces.

He says the Italians had managed to break down the front door themselves, and local fighters came to their aid after being tipped-off by neighbors.

Al-Zawadi says the Italians were in a "good condition" although they had not eaten in a week.

He also confirmed that two other Italian hostages had been killed in recent clashes between IS militants and troops loyal to the Tripoli government and their allied militias.