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"We know that British representatives have landed on Libyan territory. That caused some confusion, because in the beginning we did not know whether they're with us or against us. So we took care of them," said the opposition spokesperson, clarifying that the men are alive and well.

The spokesperson nevertheless did not specify the number and composition of the group detained. A press conference on the case is expected in Benghazi around 18.00 local time.

Earlier Sunday the reports were half-mouthedly confirmed by UK Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox.

The Sunday Times first reported that allegedly 8 SAS officers together with a British diplomat were detained by Libyan rebels over uncertainty of their mission.

Many in Libya are concerned that a possible foreign military support might be interpreted by their foe, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, as an anti-Libyan foreign intervention and thus an argument in his favor.

Tags: UK, SAS, Libya, rebels, protest, Muammar Gaddafi