Libya: Haftar Forces Repel GNA Militaries’ Attempts to Retake Oil Crescent

Libyan National Army (LNA) forces, led by military veteran Khalifa Haftar, Sunday pushed back attempts by the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) to re-take two oil ports that they had lost several days ago, reports say.

LNA released pictures of destroyed vehicles, claiming they belong to the PFG, Libya Herald reports.

PFG, commanded by Ibrahim Jadhran, an ally of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), launched attacks early Sunday to re-take Ras Lanuf and Sidra oil ports seized on September 11.

Haftar’s forces, reportedly aided by UAE and Egyptian fighter jets, launched airstrikes against GNA-backed forces. Ground forces were also used, reports further say.

Injured fighters in the PFG camp were reportedly sent to Misrata hospital. Some other fighters have been arrested and held captives by Haftar’s men.

LNA forces announced one week ago control of Libya’s main oil ports formerly under the control of the PFG. The LNA and its political wing, the House of Representatives (HoR), placed the oil crescent under the control of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), which welcomed the LNA’s military action and quickly announced export of the Libyan oil.

The move caused waves in Western capitals, which called for the immediate retreat of Haftar’s forces.

GNA minister of defence Colonel Ahmed Al-Gatrani condemned the Sunday aerial attacks against the PFG.