US Says Oil in Libyan Port Stolen, Warns of Sanctions | WPN World People News

The United States is warning of consequences related to any unauthorized sales of oil that militia members have loaded onto a North Korean-flagged tanker in a Libyan port.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement late Sunday that the oil belongs to Libya's national oil company and its partners, which include U.S. companies. She said those who buy stolen oil could face civil action and sanctions.

Libya has banned militias from selling crude oil directly to the world market.

The Libyan navy and pro-government militias sent boats Sunday to prevent the tanker from leaving the port, which is controlled by a rival militia.

Libya's culture minister and government spokesman Habib Al-Amin said every effort is being taken to stop the tanker, and that a military strike is possible if it does not follow government orders.

"Several navy boats have been dispatched, now the tanker's movements are under complete control and nobody can move it. The tanker will stay where it is," said Al-Amin.

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has warned that Libya will hold the tanker's captain, owner and the country of the flag it sails under responsible for what he called a "criminal act."

A militia spokesman has warned the government not to try to stop the shipment.

Armed gunmen forced workers loyal to the government to dock the ship Saturday.

Analysts think the military would probably struggle to overcome rebels, many of who have combat experience from the uprising to topple Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The rebels have kept their weapons and now challenge state authority.

The oil dispute is just one facet of the deepening turmoil in the North African OPEC member nation. Zeidan, appearing to be overwhelmed by the numerous challenges his administration is facing, recently said "everyone is working against the government."

Bringing Libya's factions and heavily-armed militias together under one flag continues to pose a great challenge. Analysts say the consequences of failure would affect the entire region.

Source: Voice of America