The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 42 people were killed, mainly civilians. It said in a statement that Idlib has been a significant safe haven for al-Qaeda in recent years. Mohamed said the release occurred after negotiations by elders and officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker Monday. According to Italian news agency ANSA, four people including three German tourists were hospitalized, mostly with head injuries. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat hailed the find as the biggest drug seizure in the history of the Mediterranean island.

Source: Washington Post March 16, 2017 23:08 UTC