A British fighter jet will be on stand-by ready to fly into action as a security precaution for the Commonwealth and Valletta migration summits being held in Malta this month, The Sunday Times of Malta has learnt.
Sources involved in organising security for the two events said the jet was likely be based in Sicily.
In an interview with this newspaper today, Joseph Muscat says: “Malta will still be in charge of the security operations but we lack certain military assets in fields like aviation. These will be on stand-by to safeguard Malta’s interests if need be. I consider this agreement as a form of insurance policy even if there is no imminent threat.”
The Royal Airforce jet is the latest security measure taken by intergovernmental team organising security and will join the HMS Bulwark, a British assault ship that will be stationed in Grand Harbour, and HMS Somerset, a frigate which will be in international waters surrounding Malta.
The two events – the migration summit being held this week and CHOGM at the end of this month – are a major logistical challenge.
This newspaper last week revealed there would be road closures, as well as the closure of the MCP car park and park-and-ride facilities. Schools are also expected to start late though Malta International Airport said it would be operating normally.
Parents, shop owners and residents have expressed concern over how they will be able to their children to school or get to and from work after traffic measures were reported. However, sources yesterday said police were examining the logical arrangements and revising where necessary.
When contacted, Police Commissioner Michael Cassar said many roads would remain open, except when being used to transport dignitaries. Precise times of when the roads would be closed would be announced on Tuesday, he added.
Meanwhile, concern has been expressed that hunters and trappers may take advantage of reduced enforcement this week as police officers, including the environmental enforcement unit, are assigned to special duties.