Libyan Domestic Flight Hijacked, Diverted to Malta

On Friday, a pair of suspects reportedly hijacked a Libyan domestic flight carrying 118 passengers and crew members and forced the plane to divert to Malta International Airport.

According to BBC.com, the Afriqiyah Airways plane-an Airbus A320-was flying inside Libya when two hijackers threatened to blow up the aircraft. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told the media that security forces were at the airport.

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

While it was originally reported that the hijackers had not made demands, police negotiators were on the scene. The Associated Press also announced passengers have started disembarking from the hijacked plane:

BREAKING: Passengers have begun disembarking from hijacked Libyan aircraft in Malta.

- The Associated Press (@AP) December 23, 2016

Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi reported that soldiers, special forces vehicles and medical personnel were on the scene. As a result of the incident, Malta International Airport has been temporarily closed and all flights have been diverted.

Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs communications officer Etienne Saint John told CNN, "There is an ongoing meeting at the Prime Minister's office regarding the plane."

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