The exfiltration goes wrong. 3 Dutch soldiers hostages of the Gaddafi regime in Libya

The evacuation operation of Dutch nationals was not without danger. Three Dutch soldiers are currently being held "hostage" by the Libyan regime, as revealed by the Dutch daily "De Telegraaf". Information confirmed by the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

The soldiers had taken off from the frigate Hr. Ms. Tromp (F-803) deployed off the coast of Libya, aboard a Lynx helicopter to go "recover" two nationals (a Dutchman and another whose nationality is not not known) in Sirte, about 450 km from Tripoli. But when they were landed, they were gradually surrounded by a hostile crowd and could not get away. The 3 soldiers and the 2 civilians were arrested, and the helicopter confiscated. Although the two civilian nationals (a Dutchman) were handed over to the Dutch embassy in Tripoli - they left the country yesterday (Wednesday) - the three soldiers are still being held hostage.

What we feared has thus happened. The Gaddafi regime thus holds significant leverage over European countries. In addition to the helicopter that he may try to monetize against the Mirages which have landed in Malta, or failing to use against the rebels, one can think that he will monetize dearly the release of the three soldiers who do not seem to be covered by any international convention or United Nations resolution (it is assumed that they did not have a visa). This case is a reminder that the evacuation of nationals, "exfiltrations" as mentioned by a European minister, is not an easy affair. A British C-130 Hercules was also fired upon during the nationals recovery operation in the desert, no one was injured.

NB: The Tromp who was to go to the anti-piracy operation had been diverted. Already in the Red Sea, he had - one of the first ships - to cross the Suez Canal to go off the coast of Libya. The Dutch marines had distinguished themselves by their "action" mode to liberate ships in the Indian Ocean, the Taipan in April 2010 (it was the Tromp who was in charge), the New York Star in January 2011 (it was the De Ruyter who was in action).