Latest reports inform that a plane on an internal flight in Libya has been hijacked and forced to land in Malta with 118 people on board.
Two hijackers on board the state-owned Afriqiyah Airways plane have hand grenades and are threatening to blow up the aircraft, according to Malta state television.
It was gathered from local media in Malta that one of the hijackers said he was “pro-Gaddafi” and would release all passengers, but not the crew, if demands were accepted.
As of the time of compiling this report the hijackers have not stated their demands and no passengers have been seen leaving the Airbus A320.
However, the Maltese Prime Minister said negotiating teams were on standby, while the plane could be seen on the tarmac at Valletta surrounded by military vehicles.
The Malta airport authority said all emergency teams had been dispatched to the site of what it called an “unlawful interference” on the airport tarmac.
Joseph Muscat, the Maltese premier, tweeted that the first group of passengers, consisting of women and children are being released now.
Hijackers surrendered, searched and taken in custody.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
Further 44 passengers being released.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
Potentially 2 hijackers and some crew members still on board aircraft.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
Final crew members leaving aircraft with hijackers.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
65 passengers released so far.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
Release of second group of 25 passengers underway.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
First 25 passengers released.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
Informed of potential hijack situation of a #Libya internal flight diverted to #Malta. Security and emergency operations standing by -JM
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
The #Afriqiyah flight from #Sabha to #Tripoli has been diverted and has landed in #Malta. Security services coordinating operations.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
It has been established that #Afriqiyah flight has 111 passengers on board. 82 males, 28 females, 1 infant.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
Prime Minister @JosephMuscat_JM just spoke to Libyan Prime Minister Faez al Serraj.
— Kurt Farrugia (@KurtFarrugia) December 23, 2016
First group of passengers, consisting of women and children, being released now.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
Libya has been in a state of chaos since the 2011 overthrow of Col Muammar Gaddafi left warring militias battling for control of different parts of the country.
Forces loyal to a fledgling national unity government recently took control of the coastal city of Sirte, which had been a bastion for the Islamic State group since June 2015.
