LONDON - Britain said on Tuesday it would send experienced military officers to bolster its diplomatic team in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

"These additional personnel will enable the UK to build on the work already being undertaken to support and advise the NTC (Libya's opposition National Transitional Council) on how to better protect civilians," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"In particular, they will advise the NTC on how to improve their military organisational structures, communications and logistics, including how best to distribute humanitarian aid and deliver medical assistance."

Britain said the military team would not train or arm Libyan rebel forces in fighting troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi.