There had been no threat or risk to Malta’s national security in the last few days but the government was closely monitoring all developments at regional and European Union level, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said today.

Speaking after rumours spread on social media yesterday that the army had been placed on high alert due to an imminent threat, the minister said the only change was to the armed forces’ state of armament, which included the weapons carried by members of the armed forces.

“This is an internal procedure which takes place from time to time. The alert level of the country and of the army remained the same. The procedure increases our state of awareness, but it does not imply any sort of alarm,” he said.

The minister has recently attended an informal meeting of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs in Riga, where terrorism was high on the agenda.

“Terrorism is an issue that should concern everyone, and we discussed what measures should be taken to combat the problem collectively on an EU level,” he said.

“We have to continue to monitor the situation – without panic or alarm, but keeping our eyes open to new developments in collaboration with the EU.”