Updated: Two French Air Force Mirage F1 fighter aircraft have left Malta after having made an emergency landing here because they were running short of fuel. 

The two fighters flew in with a roar at about 2.05 p.m. after having requested clearance from the Maltese authorities.

They had been engaged in reconnaissance operations over Libya.

The planes were refuelled and left at 4.30 p.m.

French aircraft are flying sorties over Libya from bases in Corsica, southern Italy and an aircraft carrier.

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