Defector Libyan pilots expected to leave today

The two Libyan mirage pilots who had refused to bomb civilians and defected to Malta in February will leave the island today. A Department of Information notice late last night said the two pilots will leave the Armed Forces barracks this...

The two Libyan mirage pilots who had refused to bomb civilians and defected to Malta in February will leave the island today.

A Department of Information notice late last night said the two pilots will leave the Armed Forces barracks this morning.

Speaking on Friday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said the pilots decided to fly their aircraft to Malta after being ordered by the Gaddafi regime to attack a village with around 1,300 people.

During their stay in Malta, they have never spoken to the media, even though they were hailed as heroes.

The pilots, whose names were not made public, flew close to sea level to be off the radar before requesting per­mission to land at Malta International Airport.

“They’re worried about their families, but now that things are clearing up we’re looking forward for them to be reunited,” Dr Gonzi had said.

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