The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has inserted its operatives into Libya several weeks ago, to gather data useful for air strikes and get in touch with rebels, the New York Times reported Wednesday, citing US officials.

While US President Barack Obama claims that US ground troops will not participate in operations in Libya, small groups of western secret agents are already operating in secrecy in the country, helping Libyan rebels to fight against forces loyal to country’s Leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The New York Times, citing British officials, noted that dozens of British special forces and MI6 officers are also working in Libya.

British agents were directing airstrikes and gathering data on tank convoys, heavy artillery and rocket installations.

US officials hope that their agents’ data ranging from locations of Gaddafi’s ammunition depots to grouping of government troops in Libyan cities will weaken Libyan military forces enough to encourage its members to leave.

The CIA operatives in Libya include an unknown number of American intelligence officers who worked at the agency's station in Tripoli, as well as other recent arrivals.

US agents should also meet with rebels in order to find out more about their leaders and forces.

The CIA spokesperson refused to comment the New York Times article.