A Libyan plane, Afriqiyah Airways A320 with 111 people on board was hijacked on 23 December. It has currently landed in Malta. The Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat tweeted that the passengers include 82 males, 28 females and 1 infant.
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
PM Joseph Muscat also tweeted saying that the plane has been hijacked and the security operations are underway. Also, the internal plane travelling from from Sebha to Tripoli in Libya, was diverted to Malta.
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
Initial reports suggest that there is one hijacker on board. The hijacker is reportedly armed with hand grenades. The hijacker has told the plane crew that he is ‘Pro-Gaddafi’.
However, the demand of the hijackers is not known as yet while negotiations are still on with the two of them.
Although Malta PM has now confirmed the release of 25 passengers that include Women and Children.
First 25 passengers released.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
First group of passengers, consisting of women and children, being released now.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) December 23, 2016
More details to follow.
