Libya port rebels say exporting oil, escalating standoff

reuters.com

(Reuters) - Armed protesters controlling ports in eastern Libya said on Saturday they had started independently exporting oil, bypassing the central government in a major escalation of their blockade to demand a share of the nation’s petroleum wealth.

“The rebels, who have seized three major ports since August to demand more autonomy, warned Tripoli against staging an attack to halt the oil sale after a North Korean-flagged tanker docked at Es Sider.

“A local television station controlled by protesters showed footage of pro-autonomy rebels holding a ceremony and slaughtering a camel to celebrate their first oil shipment.”