Syrian state television says Islamic State militants have kidnapped 300 cement workers in an area northeast of the capital, Damascus.
Reports say the workers, from Al Badia Cement company, were taken near the town of Dumeir. Officials with the company said they have not been able to establish contact with the workers.
Earlier this week, Islamic State militants launched an assault on military positions in Dumeir, killing 12 soldiers. The government responded with shellings and airstrikes around the area.
Local residents reported militants attacked the cement factory Monday and more than 250 employees are missing.
Dumeir is divided between Islamic State control in the east and rebel control in the west, but several key positions, including a military airport and power plant, are held by the government.
