This is desperate stuff.
EgyptAir flight MSR181 may have landed at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus with some passengers allowed to leave, but the danger to innocent civilians is far from over.
The plane was carrying 56 passengers and 7 crew members. Women and children were allowed to leave, followed by other passengers, but reports suggest that crew members and five passengers are still on board.
https://twitter.com/alicia_ms/status/714713908511182848
They are reportedly being held hostage by a hijacker identified as Ibrahim Samaha, although there are conflicting reports as to whether he is of Egyptian or Libyan nationality.
https://twitter.com/janinel83/status/714724923059662848
It now seems that the motive for the hijack may be motivated by personal issues of the individual, rather than political or ideological reasons. Various reports suggest Samaha is seeking asylum and wants to speak to his ex-wife.
We will of course keep you updated.
