Government ‘strongly advises’ Maltese nationals in Libya to return

The Maltese government is strongly advising all Maltese nationals in Libya to leave the country while reiterating its travel advice issued in August 2014, against all forms of travel to Libya.

In a statement, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs said it was continuously monitoring the situation in Libya. It also advised that those requiring further information should contact the Ministry on +356 2204 2200 or freephone 80072203.

The government’s warning follows claims by the Islamic State (IS) that it had kidnapped 21 Coptic Egyptians. The pictures of the hostages were released in the latest online edition of IS magazine Dabiq.

A number of Egyptian Coptic Christians were kidnapped in two raids in Sirte, Libya, in December and January.

Egypt has now offered to evacuate its citizens from Libya.

A statement from the office of Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said a special committee was closely following events in order to "clarify the situation and learn the truth".

In Cairo, the families of the 21 hostages have staged a protest accusing the president of not doing enough for them.

Members of the Coptic community in Egypt have also expressed scepticism about the offer to airlift people out of the country.