Migrants hurt 'after soldiers closed in'

The Armed Forces of Malta said yesterday a number of illegal immigrants suffered some injuries "after the soldiers closed in" on them.

In a statement in connection with the incident, the AFM said that at about 8 a.m. a group of about 80 male third country nationals (TCNs) residing in one of the two closed centres managed by the AFM at Safi Barracks forced their way out of their compound, overwhelmed the guards and ran towards the boundary fence surrounding the barracks adjacent to a main public road and a residential area.

"Immediate action was taken to prevent any TCNs from escaping from Safi Barracks. Soon afterwards the TCNs started hanging banners onto the fence and calling for freedom.

"Reinforcements from AFM units were called to report to Safi Barracks. The police were also alerted and they also sent reinforcements. Meanwhile, press members were in the area and the TCNs had free access to the media correspondents," the AFM said.

The AFM said that at about 10 a.m., "after all our efforts to convince the TCNs to peacefully return to their compound were exhausted, it was decided to use military personnel to escort the TCNs into their compound".

The AFM said that after the soldiers closed in on the TCNs, a number of TCNs suffered some injuries. It said two soldiers were also injured, one of whom sustained a fracture. All those injured were administered first aid by the AFM medical officer on the spot.

"A total of 24 TCNs were conveyed to hospital in an AFM ambulance and two other ambulances from St Luke's. Three other TCNs were taken to the health clinic. Some of those injured have already been released while others are still being attended to at St Luke's Hospital," the AFM said.