Libya Says 11 Oil Production Fields Non-Operational After IS Attacks

[Purveyor]

Source: Associated Press

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Libya's state-run oil corporation has declared 11 oil fields in the country non-operational after attacks by suspected Islamic State militants, opting for a force majeure clause that exempts the state from contractual obligations.

The National Oil Corporation blamed authorities in the Libyan-capital of Tripoli, set up by Islamist-backed militias, for failing to protect the oil fields. The statement, issued Wednesday night, says that "theft, looting, sabotage and destruction" of the oil fields have been on the rise despite pleas for the authorities to ensure safety of Libya's oil installations.

The corporation warned it could take similar action on other Libyan oil terminals and facilities, something it said would directly impact the lives of Libya's people.

"If security deteriorates, the corporation will be forced to close all fields and ports, which will result in a total deficit in state revenues and directly impact people's live, including with power outage," the statement said.

Read more: http://www.pennenergy.com/articles/pennenergy/2015/03/libya-says-11-oil-production-fields-non-operational-after-is-attacks.html

[titaniumsalute]

1. Great $4 a gallon starting tomorrow...

[Comrade Grumpy]

2. "We came, we saw, he died," Hillary laughed at Ghadaffi's murder.

The country has gone to hell in a hand basket ever since.

[Purveyor]

4. Another in many of our great democracy promoting 'successes', indeed.

[jakeXT]

3. U.S. backed rebel reportedly leads Islamic State in Libya

Major news out of Libya as Abdelhakim Belhadj, the former head of the al Qaeda-linked Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, and a major player in the U.S.-backed overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi, has reportedly joined the Islamic State and is leading its forces there. This according to The Blaze National Security journalist Sara Carter on Twitter, and Fox News’ Catherine Herridge in a Fox News report.

Belhadj’s ties to al Qaeda were controversial during the run up to U.S. airstrikes in support of the Libyan rebels, but this did not prevent him from maintaining a high profile at the time, including being made head of the Tripoli Military Council, a position he held until resigning to run for office in May 2012. Belhadj has a reputation for involvement in the international jihad has well, playing a role in the 2004 Madrid training bombings, and accused by investigators of being involved in the murder of two Tunisian politicians at behest of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/mar/3/frank-gaffney-jr-us-backed-rebel-reportedly-leads-/


Libya's renegade general Haftar appointed as army chief

Libya's renegade general Khalifa Haftar has been appointed as head of the Libyan national army, according to a lawmaker at the internationally recognized parliament on Monday.

Parliament Speaker Aqila Issa promoted Haftar and named him as the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, said lawmaker Tarik al-Geroushi.

Local media reported that Hafter has taken the post of the army's chief of staff or the general commander, but there was no official confirmation except from the House of Representatives.

Haftar, who played a major role in toppling former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been waging a war on Libya's Islamist armed groups since last May.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/909823.shtml

[Fred Sanders]

5. Not ISIS. Same old factions...the Libyan government, such as it is, said so, the Western media wants the label.

Many want the label to draw America into another war caused by short sighted imperialism.

[d_legendary1]

6. War is a good for business!

And as long as business is good there will never be true peace.