NATO arrests Libya-bound tanker off Malta

NATO has reportedly detained a tanker in Malta that was due to ship fuel from Italy to a port in Libya, a spokesman for the rebel forces has said in Benghazi.

19 May 2011, 12:00am
by Karl Stagno-Navarra

The ‘Jupiter’ is said to be carrying 12,750 of gasoline to be used by forces loyal to Col. Gaddafi.

NATO sources have said that the ship was ‘boarded’ by a rapid response team and its cargo inspected. “The captain was ordered to stop all engines and to veer back out of Libyan waters and to anchor off Malta,” the source said.

The move comes as NATO continues to tighten the grip on Gaddafi’s attempts to import fuel via businessmen in Europe and the Middle East.