Three Dutch soldiers have been captured by militia loyal to Libya’s Colonel Gaddafi. Like other European countries Holland has been evacuating its citizens, largely without any problems.

But these soldiers were attacked and captured after landing in a helicopter near the city of Sirte, to rescue two Dutch people. Sirte is Gaddafi’s home town.

The incident was first reported in a Dutch newspaper on Thursday, but actually happened last Sunday. Information had been held back for security reasons.

The two civilians the soldiers went to rescue were subsequently handed over to the Dutch embassy.

Intensive negotiations are now underway to secure the captured soldiers’ release.