The Maltese government denied allegations made by former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney that 12,000 US troops are stationed in Malta, before they go to Libya.

"The allegations are completely false," government said in a statement.

McKinney wrote that "It is with great disappointment that I receive the news from foreign media publications and Libyan sources that our president now has 12,000 U.S. troops stationed in Malta and they are about to make their descent into Libya."