Kerry admits Libya not informed of U.S. counter-terrorism operation in Tripoli

Secretary of State John Kerry has admitted Libyan authorities were not informed about a counter-terrorism operation carried out by U.S. troops in Tripoli to capture an alleged al-Qaida leader.

The US carried out an operation to capture Anas al-Liby, suspected in American embassies' bombings in East Africa in 1998.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of 2013 APEC meeting in Indonesia, Kerry said that the Libyan authorities have not been reported previously in this operation.

However, Kerry stressed that the United States is doing everything possible and everything appropriate and legal to eliminate the terrorist threat.

He added that Anas al-Liby was a "legal target" and he would face justice in a court of law."

The Pentagon's chief spokesman George Little said Saturday that al-Liby "is currently lawfully detained by the U.S. military in a secure location outside of Libya.