3 Dutch Soldiers Taken Hostage in Libya

The Netherlands Ministry of Defense revealed Thursday that 3 Dutch Navy personnel were captured in Sunday in Libya while on a mission to evacuate a Dutch citizen and a European national. The soldiers were taken hostage by forces of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

The soldiers were dropped in Libya by a helicopter from the navy ship HMS Tromp. Ministry of Defense spokesman Otte Beeksma said Libyan troops released the two evacuees to the Dutch Embassy in Tripoli. The civilians have already left Libya.

Dutch authorities are currently in “intensive diplomatic negations” with Libyan authorities for the release of the soldiers, Beeksma said.

Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has launched an investigation in to Gadhafi and his advisers. Chief prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo announced Thursday Gadhafi is being investigated for crimes against humanity, including ordering security forces to kill unarmed protesters and ordering airstrikes on civilians. The incidents in question occurred after protests began on February 15. Evidence gathered in the investigation will be presented to judges within weeks. The judges will determine who will be charged.

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