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Libyan Militia Take Over Tanker To Attempt To Export Oil Abroad

Libyan Militia Take Over Tanker To Attempt To Export Oil Abroad

Militias who are in control of Libya’s eastern ports are trying to export oil using a North Korea-flagged tanker that was docked at gunpoint. Armed gunmen forced workers loyal to the government to dock the ship. According to the prime minister, his military leaders failed to stop the vessel.

“Everyone is working against the government,” Zidan told a news conference, addressing the tanker docked at al-Sidra port. “The defense minister had asked the chief of staff to move (against the militia), asking them to deal with it, but nothing happened.”

“Leaders of a movement for self-rule in the oil-rich eastern Libya control numerous ports, halting Libya’s exports for months. The halt has drastically affected the country’s oil exports, while the movement’s militia said they have formed a regional oil company and a shadow regional government,” reports the New Zealand Herald.

The group is demanding a share of the oil revenues. Abd-Rabbo al-Barassi, a spokesman of the group, promised they would respond to any attempt to stop the shipment.