Libya's national oil company has suspended operations at the country's largest oil field over the "unlawful" closure of a pipeline valve.
Libya's national oil company has suspended operations at thecountry's largest oil field over the "unlawful" closure of a pipelinevalve.
The National Oil Corporation announced the move late Saturdaywithout saying who was behind the closure of the pipeline linking the field tothe port of Zawiya, on the Mediterranean coast. It says the pipeline wasblocked late Friday.
The Sharara oil field, which produces around 290,000 barrels aday, is controlled by forces loyal to Khalifa Hifter. His self-styled LibyanNational Army launched an offensive on the capital, Tripoli, in April, wherethey are now locked in a stalemated battle with militias loosely aligned with aU.N.-recognized government.
Libya slid into chaos after the 2011 uprising that toppled andkilled Moammar Gadhafi.
