Heightened AFM security protocols, Al Thinni was planning Malta stop

AFM increase security protocols at strategic locations such as airport and sea ports

Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al Thinni during his last visit to Malta (Photo: Ray Attard)
Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al Thinni during his last visit to Malta (Photo: Ray Attard)

Heightened security has been deployed by the Armed Forces of Malta at sensitive points.

The AFM increased security protocols at strategic places like the airport and sea ports, MaltaToday has been told.

Although they have not been placed on stop leave, members of the Police Force have been advised not to take any leave, unless it's in cases of emergency.

In comments to the Times, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela  quashed rumours the army was placed on high alert because of some imminent threat. “The army took an internal measure to increase the arming state. There is no higher alert and no need for alarm or to be worried.”

Speculation on a security threat, ranging from an approaching vessel to a Libyan flight, was doing the rounds on social media and telephone calls made to this newspaper.

A government spokesperson denied rumours that a visit by Libyan prime minister Abdullah Al Thinni was imminent.

But MaltaToday confirmed that Al Thinni made a request to come to Malta this week. The Al Thinni delegation however chose to fly to another destination, a Libyan source told this newspaper.

The rumours follow the terrorist attack carried out on the Maltese-owned Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister convened a meeting of the Security Committee to which Opposition leader Simon Busuttil was also present.