Following media reports and live footage depicting one of the suspected hijackers in handcuffs escorted by security services, Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat wrote on his Twitter that "hijackers surrendered, searched and taken in custody."
Hijackers surrendered, searched and taken in custody.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) 23 декабря 2016 г.
Earlier, Maltese TVM channel reported that Malta's special forces detained one of the suspected hijackers of the plane.
Earlier in the day, an Afriqiyah Airways A320 plane, with 111 passengers and seven crew members on board, landed in Malta after it was hijacked. Later, the hijackers of the plane agreed to lay down arms and release passengers.
The #Afriqiyah flight from #Sabha to #Tripoli has been diverted and has landed in #Malta. Security services coordinating operations.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) 23 декабря 2016 г.
It has been established that #Afriqiyah flight has 111 passengers on board. 82 males, 28 females, 1 infant.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) 23 декабря 2016 г.
Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper said the hijackers of the Afriqiyah Airways A320 plane demanded any European country to grant them shelter.
According to the News Kuwait portal, ten foreigners were along with Libyan citizens on board of the jet.
Final crew members leaving aircraft with hijackers.
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) 23 декабря 2016 г.
