Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Islamic State of Iraq and Levant has launched an offensive to capture oil facilities in Libya.

Libyan sources said ISIL fighters were moving in convoys toward the oil port of Sidra, Middle East Newsline reported. They said hundreds of fighters, equipped with machine guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, were advancing up to 50 kilometers from Sidra.

“They are being joined by other Islamic militias that are pledging allegiance,” a source said.

Sidra, which houses one of largest oil terminals, has been under the domination of Libyan Dawn, which also controls Tripoli.

The sources said ISIL units, many of them former members of Ansar Al Sharia, were clashing with Libyan Dawn.

  hundreds of fighters advance on Libyan oil port, ISIL convoys, WorldTribune.com