Libya: Air strikes hit major oil ports

Libya's parallel government that controls the capital city of Tripoli has launched air strikes on oil ports in the country.

The strikes missed the main oil tanks at Ras Lanuf and Es Sidra and resulted in minor damage, a security official aligned with the internationally recognised government told Reuters news agency.

"They targeted the civil airport in Ras Lanuf, and oil tanks in Es Sidra. The rockets fell near the tanks, resulting in only minor damage," said a spokesman for the security forces guarding Libya's oil infrastructure.

Energy facilities have increasingly come under attack in Libya, where two rival groups are fighting for control.

The Libyan state has relied on oil exports for almost all of its revenues for decades. But production has fallen dramatically in the four years since the long-ruling dictator Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown.

The ports of Es Sidra and Ras Lanuf oil terminals are responsible for around half of Libyan overall oil output when operating fully. Both export terminals have been closed since December as rival militias have fought for control of the surrounding towns and the facilities themselves.

Militants shelled the oilfields of Bahi and Mabrouk on Monday (2 March) and damaged a pipeline linked to Es Sidra, although the extent of the damage is unclear.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Libya, the North African country is producing around 400,000 barrels of oil per day.