UPDATE: The State Department confirmed late Friday that the four U.S. military personnel previously being held by the Libyan government were released. However, State provided no information on the circumstances and location of their detention.
“We are still trying to ascertain the facts of the incident,” said State Department spokesman Jen Psaki. “We value our relationship with the new Libya. We have a strategic partnership based on shared interests and our strong support for Libya’s historic democratic transition.”
No one was reported injured. A Defense Department official told The Associated Press Friday night that the military personnel were taken to the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli after their release.
The four were supporting U.S. Marine security forces protecting the American Embassy, the official said. They were likely U.S. special operations forces, which have been deployed to Libya.
EARLIER: Four U.S. military personnel are being held by the Libyan government, the State Department confirmed Friday night.
The circumstances and location of their detention were not immediately clear.
“We are seeking to further ascertain the facts and ensure their release,” said State Department spokesman Jen Psaki. “We are in touch with Libyan officials on this issue.”
The New York Times reported the episode appeared to have taken place in a tourist area just southwest of the historic Roman ruins at Sabratha, which is roughly a hour-long drive from the capital of Tripoli. The region was generally considered to be friendly to Westerners.
Photographs of two American passports and embassy identity cards were later disseminated on Twitter. The State Department had no immediate comment.
Since the Benghazi terrorist attack on that killed four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens on September 11, 2012, employees of the American Embassy have supposedly operated with more caution. The New York Times echoed the administration, reporting that so-called “rigorous security rules” bar any movements outside the reportedly “heavily fortified embassy” without prior notice and planning escorted by armed guard.
The compound is also locked at night, and no one is permitted to enter or exit, but by what means are they prohibited has not yet been answered by U.S. officials.
