Libya Captures 3 Dutch Marines

Three Dutch marines have been held by pro-Gadhafi forces since Sunday, when they were captured trying to rescue two European workers, reports the AP. The two Europeans have been released and left the country, but the Dutch government says it is in "intensive negotiations" to secure the marines' release. The troops had been dropped off by a Lynx helicopter based on the HMS Tromp, which is assisting in evacuations from off the coast of Libya.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had tried his best to keep the botched rescue under wraps. "These are situations that benefit from total secrecy because then you can carry out discussions in peace to ensure these people get home safely. It is terrible for the crew of the Lynx helicopter," Rutte said. "Everything is being done to make sure the crew gets home." (More Libya stories.)