Dutch officials confirm capture of soldiers by Qadhafi militia
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, March 3, IRNA -- The Dutch defense ministry on Thursday confirmed earlier press reports that three of its soldiers were captured by militia loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Qadhafi during a botched evacuation mission in the city of Syrte.
The Dutch troopers were attacked and captured by armed Qadhafi loyalists after their helicopter landed in Syrte.
Their military helicopter had reportedly taken off from a Dutch navy ship, anchoring off the coast of Libya.
A Dutch defense ministry spokesman pointed to tough negotiations with the Libyan side in a bid to secure the release of the soldiers.
The incident took place on Sunday but was only reported now by the Dutch daily De Telegraaf because of security reasons.
Western countries have launched large-scale evacuation measures to pull out their nationals from strife-torn Libya.
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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30277153
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