Retired army commanders believe the Armed Forces of Malta has the military capability to contribute troops to any UN intervention in Libya.

Brigadier Maurice Calleja said the army could afford to contribute to any ground operation with a platoon in much the same way as it has done in the EU’s anti-piracy mission off the Somali coast.

The C Special Duties Company is well trained for such missions, Brig. Calleja added.

His views are shared by former army commander Brig. Rupert Montanaro, who believes that even a token presence would be sending the right message.

“The country should declare where it stands [on the issue] and perhaps do so by pledging even one individual for any UN ground operation because this will show commitment,” Brig. Montanaro said.

A retired army official said the special duties company had reached such a high standard that boarding teams operated on Dutch warships off the Somali coast.

“These highly trained soldiers were potentially involved in conflict situations and have performed well every time they participated in anti-piracy missions,” he said.

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