Libya: Marines held

Published on 03/03/2011 18:43

Armed forces loyal to Gaddafi have captured three Dutch marines and their helicopter during a botched evacuation mission.

Libyan authorities are still holding the marines after they were seized on Sunday by armed men after landing near Sirte, a Gaddafi stronghold, in a helicopter from the Dutch navy ship HNLMS Tromp.

Prime minister Mark Rutte said his government authorised the mission. Officials were in "intensive negotiations" with Gaddafi's government to secure the marines' release, he said.