The terrorist attack at the Maltese-owned Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli does not appear to be an attack targeted towards Malta or the Corinthia, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this evening.
Replying to questions by The Malta Independent, Dr Muscat said he has been briefed by the Security Services who have received information from various sources and areas in Libya, who have ruled out any link between the attack and Malta based on current information.
Dr Muscat said there are two versions of "facts," in that it was either a terrorist act by a group of extremists associated with ISIS or an attack on the Tripoli-based government's Prime Minister.
He said Opposition leader Simon Busuttil has been kept abreast of happenings, and a full statement will be given in Parliament tomorrow once more information is known.
Eight Maltese workers were at the hotel when the attack happened. One worker is still on site coordinating affairs at the hotel whilst the others are in a secure location.
There are another 14 Maltese who hold operational positions with the Corinthia but do not work at the actual hotel.
Dr Muscat said the government reiterates its strong travel advice against going to Libya and will do everything possible to ensure a safe passage for people wishing to get out.