This image shows Madagascar, the island country located off Africa's southeast coast, captured from Google Maps, Feb. 24. Yonhap

Two Korean missionaries have been killed in a robbery attack in Madagascar, diplomatic sources said Monday.

The attack happened Friday (local time) when several robbers armed with bladed weapons approached the two Korean nationals near a local church, according to the sources with knowledge of the matter.

They were transported to a hospital for injuries but later pronounced dead.

The victims, who were in-laws, had been actively engaged in volunteer work in the local community.

The robbers remain at large, and their exact motive was not immediately known.

The Korean government has urged the local law enforcement to carry out a swift investigation into the attack.

A Korean consul in the African island country has reportedly visited the crime scene and hospital to provide necessary assistance. The victims' bereaved family members are on their way to Madagascar, the sources said. (Yonhap)