EgyptAir hijacker asking for release of prisoners in Egypt

The hijacker of an EgyptAir airplane that was diverted to Cyprus on Tuesday has asked for the release of female prisoners in Egypt, the Cyprus state broadcaster reported.

All but seven people on board the aircraft, which was traveling from Alexandria to Cairo, have been released. The pilot had reported that the hijacker was strapped with explosives, but Egyptian authorities have not confirmed this.

 Ministry names hijacker

Meanwhile, Cyprus' foreign ministry identified the hijacker as Seif Eldin Mustafa in a tweet. It did not provide further details.

"The situation is still ongoing," it said. Earlier, two Cypriot broadcasters reported the hijacker had dropped a letter on the apron of Larnaca airport that appeared to be demanding the release of prisoners in Egypt.

Eygptian state media had earlier identified the hijacker as a different man.