Islamic State militants kidnapped 300 workers Thursday in an area northeast of the Syrian capital of Damascus.

According to Syrian state TV, the workers are from the al-Badia Cement Company and were working in Dumeir. State-run news agency SANA quoted a source in the company saying they have not been able to contact any of the workers.

The Islamic State launched a surprise attack against government forces earlier this week in Dumeir and are known to have a presence to the east of Damascus.

Earlier in the day, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human rights said contact was lost with dozens of workers in Dumeir.