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Hijacked Afriqiyah Airways plane lands in Malta, suspect threatens to detonate grenade First passengers evacuated from hijacked Afriqiyah Airways flight in Malta (LIVE VIDEO)
(35 minutes later)
Up to two hijackers, described as being from the pro-Gaddafi group Al Fatah Al Gadida have seized control of Afriqiyah Airways flight 8U209 in Libya, forcing the Airbus A320 plane to divert to Malta. It’s understood there are 118 people on board. A number of passengers have been evacuated 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.
READ MORE: Malta hostage situation: Hijackers threaten to blow up Afriqiyah Airways plane (LIVE UPDATES)
“Informed of potential hijack situation of a Libya internal flight diverted to Malta. Security and emergency operations standing by,” Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat tweeted 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,” Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat tweeted on Friday, adding in a second tweet that "security and emergency services [are] coordinating operations"
It's understood the plane was making an internal flight from Sebha to Tripoli, but has now landed at Malta International Airport where armed soldiers have surrounded it on the runway.It's understood the plane was making an internal flight from Sebha to Tripoli, but has now landed at Malta International Airport where armed soldiers have surrounded it on the runway.
"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."
There are conflicting reports as to how many hijackers are on board the flight, with some media outlets indicating two while the Times of Malta report there is only one suspect involved. Described by the Times of Malta as being “pro-Gaddafi,” one hijacker is reportedly in possession of a hand grenade and has threatened to blow up the plane if demands are not met, although the nature of these demands are not yet known.
Described as being “pro-Gaddafi,” the hijacker is reportedly in possession of a hand grenade and has threatened to blow up the plane if demands are not met, although the nature of these demands are not yet known. It’s reported that Libyan and Maltese authorities are in negotiations with the hijackers. It’s reported that Libyan and Maltese authorities are in negotiations with the hijackers, while Malta-based journalist Saviour Balzan has tweeted that the hijackers have agreed to let the passengers go and to give up their weapons. 
Malta’s prime minister confirmed that there are 111 passengers on board, 82 males, 28 females and one infant, plus seven crew.Malta’s prime minister confirmed that there are 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.
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