SAS Caught With “Espionage” Equipment In Libya

Mar 8, 2011 by James

British SAS operatives and several MI6 agents were caught by Libyan farmers after they were inserted from the HMS Cumberland. The operatives were confronted by the farmers who have ties to the opposition and were forced to open their bags. The farmers then detained the men after finding firearms, communications equipment, jamming devices and multiple passports. According to the British they were there to provide the forces who oppose Qaddafi with those materials. The plan backfired because no one knew they were coming and they looked like mercenaries and Qaddafi has hired mercenaries to come in and slaughter those who oppose him.

William Hague confirmed the “diplomatic team” had left Libya after experiencing “difficulties”. He said another team would be sent in after consultation with the opposition leadership. Source: The Guardian

The group’s capture not only tarnishes the reputation of the SAS and British intelligence service but it will also leave many surrounding nations wondering who is really toppling leaders in favor of Democracy. Many nations, including the United States, have pondered arming the rebel forces in the hopes that they will overthrow the dictator however this is the first that any confirmation of such efforts has been acknowledged. The Brits did apologize for their covert entry into Libya but as Mr. Hague stated they will be doing it again.

“We don’t want new enemies, but this is no way to make contact,” said a senior member of the committee, Essam Gheriani.

While the operatives intentions were in the right place their entry has put the already suspicious opposition on high alert. “At a time of revolution, suspicion is greater than trust” said Essam Gheriani. He makes an excellent point and it makes you wonder why the British government didn’t arrange such a meeting with the rebels rather than just dropping into their backyard. Gheriani also likened the situation to when Israeli Mossad operatives snuck into Dubai to assassinate a high level Hamas commander. He said when the Israeli’s did that they were also using British passports. While his suspicions were certainly justified I doubt that if any foreign agents were in Libya to kill someone it would be Qaddafi and not the rebel leaders.

The discovery of operatives from a Democratic nation makes many wonder how many more are operating within Libya. While the United States continue to ponder U.S. military involvement it now seems likely that it is more of a CIA mission. It would be reminiscent of when the CIA was funding and arming the mujahideen in Afghanistan when the Soviets were waging war there. The CIA provided weapons that everyone knew were from us but could not prove and it was a key factor in the Russians pulling out of Afghanistan. Someone should have realized that those weapons would later be turned on us but at the time it was a success. In any event this could further damage the image of Democracy as Libyan’s are desperate to claim this as an internal revolution only. That is why the United States has so far been very cautious not to step on the rebels toes. What comes next for Libya must be decided by Libyans and not outside powers although guns and ammo can’t hurt; right?

Clearly this is a mission for 007

Source: Guardian UK