Posted on 03/03/2011 2:02:03 PM PST by nuconvert
Talks are under way to free a Dutch helicopter crew captured in Libya trying to evacuate foreign citizens, the Netherlands' defence ministry says.
The three marines landed their Lynx near the port of Sirte on Sunday, flying in from the Dutch warship Tromp, which is anchored off the Libyan coast.
"Intensive negotiations" were under way, a ministry spokesman said.
The ministry was in contact with the marines who were "doing well under the circumstances", he added.
"We hope they will be released as quickly as possible," Otte Beeksma told the Associated Press news agency.
Asked if the Dutch government considered the marines hostages, he replied: "They are being held by Libyan authorities."
Two people the marines were trying to rescue - one Dutch person and another European - were captured but have since been released and have left Libya, Dutch media say.
"It was a consular evacuation," Mr Beeksma added.
"During the operation the helicopter was grounded by an armed unit."
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
Prayers up!
Armed with wooden shoes?
Talk to buy time if you must, but at the end of the day, send in a force to either fly out or fire the Lynx and bring the marines or their bodies home.
I hope to heck that the Dutch warship isn't actually 'anchored'. That would be the height of stupidity.
Intensive negotiations to me mean give us are marines back or 1000 more marines will be right there to get them back. You may live or die you decide.
That is what should be said.
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