All soldiers of the Armed Forces of Malta have been told that they are on stop leave from tomorrow.

Informed sources said the decision was taken last night at a meeting of the Security Committee, which includes the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Commander of the AFM, The Commissioner of Police and the head of the Security Service.

Security concerns have been heightened by developments in Libya, particularly the defection yesterday of two air force pilots who flew to Malta in armed Mirage fighters, and the probable exodus of migrants from North Africa.