<p><br /> Defence secretary Liam Fox has confirmed that a British diplomatic team is in Libya talking to rebel forces.<br /> </p><p><br /> But he declined to comment on reports that the SAS unit guarding the team had been detained by forces opposed to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.<br /> </p><p><br /> Up to eight British soldiers are believed to have been captured as they escorted the diplomatic mission through rebel-held territory in the east of the country.<br /> </p><p><br /> According to the Sunday Times, the SAS troops were taken by rebels to Benghazi, the largest city held by the opposition, where they were detained.<br /> </p><p><br /> Interviewed on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Dr Fox said there was a "small diplomatic team" in the eastern city of Benghazi.<br /> </p><p><br /> Meanwhile, at least 18 people, including a baby, have been killed in fighting between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and rebels in the town of Misrata.<br /> </p><p><br /> Eyewitnesses and rebel sources say that the towns of Tobruk and Ras Lanuf, which government forces claim to have retaken, actually remain under rebel control.<br /> </p>
