Rebel militias export Libya’s oil; Tripoli threatens to seize N. Korean tanker

Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Libya’s rebel militias have begun to export crude oil.

A North Korean-flagged tanker is docked at the Es Sider export terminal in Ras Lanuf, Libya, March 8. /Reuters — A North Korean-flagged tanker docked at the Es Sider export terminal in Ras Lanuf, Libya on March 8. /Reuters

Militias facilitated the arrival of a North Korean tanker at the Libyan oil port of Es Sider, government officials in Tripoli confirmed.

The tanker arrived on March 8 despite Libyan Navy warnings to stay away from rebel-held oil terminals as militias reported the first export shipment.

“All efforts are being undertaken to stop and seize the tanker, if necessary by a [military] strike, if it does not follow orders,” Libyan Culture Minister Habib Amin said on March 9.

Over the last month, the Navy has sought to impose a siege on oil ports seized by rebel militias.

The seizure has slashed oil production and exports by nearly 80 percent over the last six months.

Es Sider, Habib Amin, load oil for export onto N. Korean tanker, Rebel militias export Libya’s oil; Tripoli threatens to seize N. Korean tanker, rebel-held oil terminals

Rebel militias export Libya’s oil; Tripoli threatens to seize N. Korean tanker added by World Tribune on March 10, 2014
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