Libya : Government Mobilizes Force ahead of War Declaration

The exchange of words between the Libyan government and the rebels in the Eastern part of the country could soon turn into a full combat action. Cultural Minister Habibi al-Amin said “a force” has already been mobilized to “seize” the North Korean flagged ship which docked in a rebel controlled eastern port of Es Sider on Friday. Libya has warned that any ship that deals with the rebels will be dealt with accordingly with all the necessary means. The rebels have warned that an attack on the ship would be “like a declaration of war”.
The government is hoping that it will seize the ship peacefully. Justice Minister Salah al-Marghani said “the aim” is to acquire the ship “without causing any casualties or damage” in accordance with the law. The force mobilized to intercept the ship is composed of “qualified” naval officers and revolutionaries under the government’s control.
Prime Minister Zeidan stated that the Captain of the ship has been warned but he claims that rebels have boarded the ship and refuse to let him set sail.
The Cultural Minister stated that the force has received the order “to stop, seize or even strike with force” if the ship doesn’t comply. He added that the operation will be executed in a “kind of a surgical method” to facilitate taking over the ship lawfully because they are aware of “the sensitivity of the situation and the risks.”
Abb-Rabbo al-Barassi, self-declared prime minister of the region, warned Libya’s navy not to “harm” the tanker docked at Es Sider because it will be equal to a “a declaration of war.” The rebels in the East accuse the government of corruption and their inability to rebuild the state.