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| Afriqiyah Airways hijackers releasing passengers, demanding creation of 'pro-Gaddafi party' | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| At least 109 passengers have been released from the Afriqiyah Airways Airbus A320 in Malta, after two hijackers from the pro-Gaddafi group Al Fatah Al Gadida seized control of the plane in Libya. | At least 109 passengers have been released from the Afriqiyah Airways Airbus A320 in Malta, after two hijackers from the pro-Gaddafi group Al Fatah Al Gadida seized control of the plane in Libya. |
| READ MORE: Malta hostage situation: Hijackers threaten to blow up Afriqiyah Airways plane (LIVE UPDATES) | READ MORE: Malta hostage situation: Hijackers threaten to blow up Afriqiyah Airways plane (LIVE UPDATES) |
| It's understood the plane was making an internal flight from Sebha to Tripoli before it was diverted to Malta International Airport. Armed soldiers then surrounded it on the runway. | It's understood the plane was making an internal flight from Sebha to Tripoli before it was diverted to Malta International Airport. Armed soldiers then surrounded it on the runway. |
| Libyan and Maltese authorities are continuing negotiations with the hijackers, while Malta-based journalist Saviour Balzan tweeted that the hijackers agreed to let the passengers go and to give up their weapons. | Libyan and Maltese authorities are continuing negotiations with the hijackers, while Malta-based journalist Saviour Balzan tweeted that the hijackers agreed to let the passengers go and to give up their weapons. |
| Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat confirmed in a series of tweets the gradual release of most of the 118 passengers and crew from the plane. It remains unclear at this stage, however, the exact number of people still on board. | |
| Described as “pro-Gaddafi,” the hijackers are believed to be in their mid-20s, from the Tebu ethnic group, which is present in southern Libya, according to al-Saghir. Arabic news site Alwasat have named the hijackers as Mousa Shaha and Ahmed Ali. | |
| It's understood the pair are in possession of an unspecified number of grenades and have threatened to blow up the plane if demands are not met. | |
| One of the hijackers claims to be a leader of a "pro-Gaddafi party," according to Libyan TV. Earlier, Libyan MP Hadi al-Saghir told Reuters the pair were demanding the creation of such a party. | |
| The mayor of Sabha, Colonel Hamed al-Khayali, told the BBC that one hijacker is seeking political asylum in Malta, though all demands are not yet fully known. | |
| "The pilot reported to the control tower in Tripoli that they were being hijacked, then they lost communication with him,” a security official from Mitiga airport in Libya told Reuters. “The pilot tried very hard to have them land at the correct destination but they refused." | "The pilot reported to the control tower in Tripoli that they were being hijacked, then they lost communication with him,” a security official from Mitiga airport in Libya told Reuters. “The pilot tried very hard to have them land at the correct destination but they refused." |
| “Informed of potential hijack situation of a Libya internal flight diverted to Malta. Security and emergency operations standing by,” Muscat tweeted earlier on Friday, adding in a second tweet that "security and emergency services [are] coordinating operations" | “Informed of potential hijack situation of a Libya internal flight diverted to Malta. Security and emergency operations standing by,” Muscat tweeted earlier on Friday, adding in a second tweet that "security and emergency services [are] coordinating operations" |
| The prime minister also confirmed that there were 111 passengers on board, 82 males, 28 females and one infant, plus seven crew. | The prime minister also confirmed that there were 111 passengers on board, 82 males, 28 females and one infant, plus seven crew. |
| Airport authorities in Malta described the incident as an “unlawful interference” and, although they confirmed all flights to the airport have been diverted, it appears some “operations” have resumed. | Airport authorities in Malta described the incident as an “unlawful interference” and, although they confirmed all flights to the airport have been diverted, it appears some “operations” have resumed. |
| Malta’s President Marie-Louise Coleiro tweeted to appeal “for everyone to remain calm and follow official updates.” | Malta’s President Marie-Louise Coleiro tweeted to appeal “for everyone to remain calm and follow official updates.” |
| Opposition party leader Simon Busuttil, also tweeted about the incident, calling it a “grave concern.” | Opposition party leader Simon Busuttil, also tweeted about the incident, calling it a “grave concern.” |
| “My full cooperation to Govt to protect Malta security and the safety of passengers,” he wrote. | “My full cooperation to Govt to protect Malta security and the safety of passengers,” he wrote. |