A Royal Navy ship helping Britons to
leave Libya amid worsening violence in the country has arrived in Malta,
according to the Foreign Office (FCO).
HMS Enterprise helped 110 people, the majority of whom were British. None are understood to be diplomats.
The FCO temporarily closed its embassy in the capital of Tripoli on Monday. It had urged Britons to leave the country.
It comes amid fighting between rival factions in Libya, which has killed hundreds of people in recent weeks.
'Food and shelter'
The Plymouth-based ship left the UK in June for an 18-month survey deployment and had been on operations in the Mediterranean.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon confirmed the Royal Navy operation had been launched following Foreign Office advice.
"I thank the crew of HMS Enterprise for their support and professionalism in carrying out this important task," he said.
About 110 people were registered to leave on board the ship including two Irish citizens and one German.
During the operation, it is understood HMS Enterprise moored just off Tripoli and a smaller vessel was dispatched to transport people from shore to deck.
HMS Enterprise commanding officer Mark Vartan said the crew had been "proud" to play its part in helping to move people to safety.
"My ship's company have adapted to the challenge superbly, making as much space as possible and providing essential food, shelter and security for the journey," he said.
Rob Luke, the UK's High Commissioner in Malta, tweeted his thanks to his officials who had "worked through the night" to help those arriving from Libya.
A petrol depot was set on fire after fighting between
rival groups near the airport in Tripoli The ship's departure was not considered a rescue mission as there were still commercial means to leave Libya.
The country has been gripped by instability and a power struggle among rival groups since the overthrow of former leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Fighting between rival militias - one established by the outgoing parliament and one controlled by the defence ministry - has spread northwards in the capital in recent days.
More than 200 people have been killed in Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi in the past two weeks.
'Very sad'
It is thought there are between 100 and 300 Britons still in Libya.
The British embassy in Tripoli suspended its operations on Monday, after which the remaining staff were due to leave. It is relocating to neighbouring Tunisia.
British ambassador to Libya Michael Aron has described the situation as "very sad" and said staff would return to the embassy "as soon as security allows". BBC
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário