Forces loyal to Libyan eastern commander seize oil ports

Forces loyal to eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Hafter launched attacks on Sunday at the Zeuitina, Ras Lanuf and Es Sider ports according to Petrol Facilities Gurard (PGF) spokes person Ali al-Hassi.

#BREAKING General's forces seize key Libya oil terminals: spokesman

— AFP news agency (@AFP) September 11, 2016

Haftar’s forces also known as the Libya National Army (LNA) also attacked the nearby town of Ajbadiya.

PHOTOS: Fighting near Sidra oil facilities in central #Libya. – Chief_MarshallR pic.twitter.com/5S0DvcuMUr

— Conflict News (Conflicts) September 11, 2016

Ras Lanuf and Es Sider are Libya’s largest oil ports, but have been closed since December 2014. The two ports were also badly damaged earlier this year by attacks from Islamic State militants, who are currently on the verge of defeat by the forces allied to the UN backed unity government supported by US airstrikes.

Recently, Libya’s Government of National Unity struck a deal with the Petroleum Facilities Guards to reopen the two ports which have the potential of adding about 600,000 bpd as the OPEC member state seeks to resume oil exports.

Libyan troops recapture key oil terminals from militia: BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — Libyan officials say forces loyal to… https://t.co/uDuTHBVuFl

— Tulsa News (@TulsaDailyNews) September 11, 2016

Libya’s National Oil Corporation has been removing oil stored at Zueitina because of fears it could be lost during clashes.

Reuters