Three ports in Libya were attacked on Sunday September 11 by forces opposing Libya’s unity government, with control being taken over oil-exporting facilities which were held by troops loyal to the government, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Mohamed Ginidi, a Military Intelligence Officer for Misrata, said: “This attack is an attempt by Haftar to disrupt talks and initiatives by the [unity] government to reopen the ports and save Libya.
“For now, however, our forces are focusing on Sirte and ending the Islamic State. If we receive orders to attack Haftar after the war in Sirte, we of course will do so.”
This follows news that Libya’s National Oil Company has said it is to restart exports from three blocked oil ports.
On the back of this development was the announcement that Libya was to reopen two major ports in a bid to bring trade back to the country and reinvigorate oil trade.