Another attempt to retake oil ports in Libya's oil crescent fails

(December 7) The Libya Observer claims a coalition of groups including members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), the Islamist Defend Benghazi Brigades (DBB), plus some brigades loyal to the UN-brokered unity government tried to retake the oil crescent ports.

The ports were captured from the Petroleum Facilities Guards, headed by Haftar-opponent Ibrahim Jodhran back in September by the Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. Mercenaries were apparently involved. Anearlier counter-attack by the PFG and others on September 19th failed miserably. This one appears to be failing as well.

The Libya Observer claims that the Oil Ports and Fields Liberation Room allegedly associated with the UN-brokered Government of National Accord(GNA) aimed to "uproot the mercenaries, hired by Dignity Operation to seize the ports" Dignity Operationwas begun by Haftar in May of 2014 to clear Libya of Islamists whom he considered his enemies. This includes many brigades loyal to the GNA. However, the Presidential Council (PC) of the GNA issued a statement claiming that they gave no order for the assault. Apparently, the coalition had early successes capturing the towns of Ben Jawad and Nawfaliya east of Sirte on the way to the oil ports. The Libya Observer says that they pushed the LNA out of Sidra but later they were driven out with the help of airstrikes. It is not clear what they have managed to retain.

Jadallah al-Okli, of the National Oil Corporation, said that the situation in the oil ports was normal and that the industry had not been affected by the ongoing military operations. He said: “We have taken precaution measures in the oil crescent region and oil production is working just as usual.”

The Libyan Observer notes that in a televised interview on Sky News Arabia, General Ahmad Al-Samaray, of the LNA claimed that Al-Qaeda is behind the attack working in colloboration with brigades from Misrata as well as from those loyal to the GNA defense minister Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi. However, as noted earlier the GNA has denied it has any connection to the violence. The Libya Observer points out that the Rana Jawad a BBC reporter among others claim that the general's statements are false.

A recent tweet notes: #Libya-Vehicles destroyed in LNA repelling of Oil Crescent offensive carrying signs identifying them as "Ministry of Defense (#GNA)-12 Bde" It would seem that the GNA Ministry of Defense vehicles if not their personnel were involved in the attack. Another tweet also notes: "Claudia Gazzini Yet DefMin logo on cars; commander of ops Idris Musa Bughuetin close to Def Min Barghathi, as is Osama al-Obidi, captured by LNA today." This would appear strong evidence of involvement of the GNA defense minister. However, Libya reporting often involves propagandizing for one side or another. In a brief report, Reuters quotes Mohamed Qabaili a spokesperson for the PFG, said the attacking forces fired rockets as they attempted to move east towards the ports.

Now that the Islamic State has been defeated in Sirte some of the anti-Haftar brigades may soon be involved in attacking Haftar or defending against attacks he makes. The situation is complicated even more by clashes between rival militias in Tripoli. There appears to be no sign of any solution that could bring Haftar and the House of Representatives (HoR) government to accept the GNA and the PC.

Libyan eastern tribal leader survives assassination attempt

The car of Salah Al-Atewish, head of the Magharba tribe in eastern Libya, exploded just after he left a mosque in Benghazi after Friday prayers in an apparent assassination attempt.

Salah was taken to hospital along with a colleague who was injured in the blast as well. Salah is said to be in good condition while the condition of his colleague is critical. The incident happened in the Sid Faraj district of Benghazi. Apparently a bomb was placed under his car. It is not known yet if there were others injured by the blast according to the Libya Herald. The Libya Observer reports that Atewish's injuries were minor. Atewish was visited in the hospital by his son along with Saiqa special forces commander Wanid Bukhamada.

Some local observers are blaming the action on acting GNA defense minister Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi together with some Benghazi militants as well as Ibrahim Jadhran who are also said to be intending to try to retake the oil ports and oil fields occupied by Khalifa Haftar commander of the House of Representatives' (HoR) Libyan National Army (LNA).

Atewish had been instrumental in helping Haftar seize the terminal and oil fields in September by urging members of his tribe based around the city of Ajdabiya to avoid bloodshed and not fight. Ibrahim Jadhran, an opponent of Haftar, former head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard along with his family are also part of the tribe. Atewish has since expressed his support for both the LNA and Khalifa Haftar.

As the Observer reports Benghazi has experienced many political murders lately:The war-torn city has been plunged into political murder. Last week, the head of Libyan Anti-Corruption Organization Mohamed Abu Gaiqis was killed in a car bomb explosion in Al-Kish square, one day before 10 bodies were found in a landfill site in Ziat Street. Two of the bodies were identified as Farhat Migherhi and Hussien Sharief, both are political opponents to Dignity Operation.Even more recently several members of the former 204 Tank Brigade that was commanded by Al-Barghathi, an opponent of Haftar, were murdered and their bodies showed signs of torture. According to a recent tweet the Al-Barghathi's house in Benghazi was torched after he criticized Haftar and the LNA: "#MoD Barghathi office to alnaba tv, protesters burned his house in #Benghazi after tonight statement against #LNA #Libya"

Six countries issue joint statement on Haftar's seizure of 4 oil ports

The governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. issued a joint statement condemning the seizure of the four oil ports, Zuwetina, Ras Lanuf, Es Sidra, and Brega by forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA).

The LNA are the armed forces of PM Al-Thinni's House of Representatives (HoR) government. Many parts of the statement echo those found in the statement of Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) that I discussed in a recent article.

The six-country statement is like that of Kobler in demanding an immediate ceasefire and for the parties to refrain from any further hostilities. This would preclude either GNA forces or those of the PFG from a counter-attack to retake the ports. There have been tweets claiming a counter-attack is already underway but these have not been confirmed and some claim even that they are fake. We will see. There is division among the PC but at least one statement asked that the defense minister should give orders to retake the ports. There appear to be a number of conflicting statements. In any event it seems a bit odd to rule out taking back the ports as they were removed from the control of the GNA or at least the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) who recognize the GNA and had an agreement with the GNA..

The statement does call on all military forces that had moved into the oil crescent area to withdraw immediately without preconditions. However, no consequences are spelled out as to what will happen if the demand is not met. As with the Kobler statement, the six cannot bring themselves to write the name of Khalifa Haftar as being responsible for the seizure. They cannot for some reason talk of the Petroleum Facilities Guard either.

As with the Kobler statement, the six stress that the Presidency Council is the sole steward of the oil resources. Of course, both sides say that the oil belongs to the Libyan people. The statement goes on: "Oil infrastructure, production, and export must remain under the exclusive control of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) acting under the GNA’s authority." Haftar will find it difficult if not impossible to export oil through the eastern-based National Oil Company. However, he can use his possession of the ports as a lever for bargaining with the GNA if he wishes to do so.

The six nations urge the creation of a unified capable national security force under GNA authority and peaceful cooperation among Libya's armed forces which should be unified into one professional military force. However, it is not clear how this can be done and Haftar is opposed to unifying with militias associated with the GNA many of whom he considers his enemies.

The statement mentions UN Security Council Resolution 2259: which concerns measures against illegal oil exports and activities that could damage the NOC among other institutions. Section 10 of the resolution is particularly relevant to the situation:10. Confirms that those individuals and entities engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya, or that obstruct or undermine the successful completion of the political transition to a stable, secure and prosperous Libya under a Government of National Accord, must be held strictly accountable, and in this regard, recalls the travel ban and asset freeze measures reaffirmed in paragraph 11 of resolution 2213.

The statement says that the six countries are intent on enforcing the resolution including the provisions of section 10. Surely Haftar's actions threaten the peace security and stability of LIbya and undermine the successful completion of the political transition. Individuals such as Haftar must be held strictly accountable and subject to travel bans and asset freezes. Yet Haftar's name is not even mentioned. The six countries ignore their own obligations as set forth in the resolution they vow to uphold.

UN does not directly condemn Haftar for seizure of Libyan oil ports

In response to the seizure of four oil ports in the oil crescent by the Libyan National Army commanded by General Khalifa Haftar, Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) has issued several statements.

After the attacks began Kobler tweeted: " worried about reported fighting in the oil crescent. will add to division and further restricting oil exports. oil belongs to ALL libyans." Notice that he does not mention Hafter and the Libyan National Army(LNA) as attacking and seizing the oil ports nor mention that those holding the port are the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) who have an agreement with the UN-backed Government of National Accord to open up the ports to export. Haftar does not recognize the GNA nor its national oil company (NOC) based in Tripoli. While many may be happy to see the deal with Ibrahim Jodhran fail since they consider him a renegade who has robbed Libya of millions if not billions in oil revenue, the situation is now that the GNA lacks any agreement at all and must bargain with Haftar.

After the LNA had cemented control over four oil crescent ports, Brega, Ras Lanuf, Es Sidra, and Zuwetina, Kobler issued a news release on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) website. His statement calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in the oil crescent, respect for the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) and recognition of the Presidency Council and GNA as the sole executive authority in Libya. Haftar could very well reply that Kobler and the UN show no respect for the LPA since without a formal vote of confidence by the HoR they activated the GNA and still prate on about its legitimacy after the defeat of a vote of confidence in the HoR on August 22. They are supposed to have presented a new cabinet to the HoR over a week ago but have not done so and show no signs of being near ready to present a new slate. Kobler knows that Haftar and the HoR do not recognize the GNA and PC as legitimate, demanding that it be regarded as such will make no difference. The UN has constantly ignored Haftar's continual and successful attempts to derail the UN process. He is even stronger now. Why should he pay the least attention? A demand that has no force to back it up is worse than useless, since it reveals the weakness of those making the demand.

The demand that hostilities cease is a huge plus for Haftar. After all he has control of the ports. If the PFG and the GNA counter-attack, Haftar can complain that the GNA and PFG are acting contrary to what the UN demands. If Kobler really supported the GNA he would support their call for the defense minister to mount a counter-attack. He would also support the counter offensive announced by the PFG. A tweet says: "news#PFG regained control of #Sidra, fighting to retake #RasLanuf is ongoing w/ #JEM's militias." This remains to be verified. The GNA called on forces to protect the ports against "flagrant aggression" by the rival HoR administration.

Another tweet also announced counter attacks by the PFG: "PFG launches military ops, code-name: Dispersing Dellusion, to regain control of Oil Crescent Terminals. #Libya". Kobler says nothing about taking measures against Haftar and retaking the ports. Equally silent on the matter are the many powerful players who constantly serve as cheerleaders for the GNA, the EU and the US. They have not yet decided how to react. They also seem to fear any confrontation with Haftar. This can only encourage Haftar to demand more in any accommodation with the UN, EU and U.S.

Kobler notes that the attacks threaten stability and lead to greater division of the country. However he does not call the attacks an aggression by the LNA under Haftar. The attacks further restrict oil exports and add to people's suffering. So why does Kobler not suggest taking the ports under GNA control as before and not simply acquiescing in Haftars blatant seizure of the ports?

Kobler concludes:“I urge all parties to avoid any damage to the oil facilities. Natural resources belong to all Libyans and preserving oil infrastructure is in the national interest. He joins the Presidency Council’s calls for a comprehensive national consensus and expresses his support for consultations that would lead to the formation of a new Government of National Accord.No reference to the LPA nor the demand of the HoR that the PC come up with a new cabinet to be formally approved by the HoR as required by the LPA. No reference to the GNA demand that the ports be defended by force. There is division within the PC itself. It remains to be seen if there is any truth to the reports of a counter-attack. The media is agonizingly slow in reacting to events in Libya. Kobler is obviously desperate for a deal with Haftar even as Hafter positions himself to make greater and greater demands. However, Haftar's idea may simply be to see the GNA self-destruct and he will emerge as the champion fighter against terrorism and the strong man who is the only viable alternative. The west and other power brokers will come to accept him just as they accept el-Sisi in Egypt.

General Haftar's forces seize Libya's four Oil Crescent Ports

The Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by General Khalifa Haftar, made a lightning strike on the oil ports of Es Sidra, Ras Lanuf, and Zuwetina in the oil crescent. He is reported to have captured Es Sidra, and Ras Lanuf so far.

The ports have up until now been controlled by the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), headed by Ibrahim Jodhran an opponent of Haftar. Haftar does not support the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) while Jodhran does and has made a deal with the GNA to open the ports to export. The GNA will now have to negotiate with the rival House of Representatives (HoR) government of PM Al-Thinni which is supported, or maybe controlled, by Haftar.

Colonel Ahmed Al-Mismari, spokesperson for the LNA, said that there was still fighting in Zuwetina. He also said that the LNA had seized the south and east gates of the city of Ajdabiya. Al-Mismari said that there had been virtually no resistance by the PFG with no casualties suffered by the LNA and one killed from the PFG. The PFG guards fled leaving all their weapons, including 3 tanks, 2 armoured vehicles as well as mortars. PFG spokesperson Ali Al-Hassi admitted there had been clashes but denied that the LNA had taken over any oil ports.

Tweet accounts differ. One confirms the LNA account: "Tripoli NOC sources: Ras Lanuf & Sidra now under control of Hiftar's forces, Zweitina still under PFG control, fight continues there #Libya" Coming from the National Oil Company of the GNA the report is probably accurate. Not surprisingly, another tweet denies the ports were captured:" Spox of PFG Ali Hassi denies to BBC that Gen. Hefter's forces have 'taken control' of Sidra and Ras Lanuf. "clashes started 7:00 am" #Libya"

The LNA operation is called Operation Al-Barq Al-Khatif (Sudden Lighting). This could easily be a sarcastic take-off of the US bombing missions on Sirte that are called Operation Odyssey Lightning, but it is an appropriate name. Haftar has opposed the US bombings as a violation of Libyan sovereignty--since HoR did not give permission for them.Al-Mismari claimed that the operation had been in the works for some time: “We worked on it. It was not a sudden move." He said that the four separate advances were under the direct control of General Khalifa Haftar.

The reaction of Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, was astonishing. He tweeted : "worried about reported fighting in the oil crescent. will add to division and further restricting oil exports. oil belongs to ALL libyans." What is astonishing is that there is no mention of Haftar nor any condemnation of the attack. You would think that he would condemn the attack on an ally of the GNA government that was unprovoked and now sabotages any attempt to increase oil production unless the GNA comes to terms with Haftar and the rival HoR. Kobler has bent over backwards to try to accommodate Haftar while being snubbed by the general who refuses to even talk to him. He has better things to do such as consolidating his power by militarizing the administration of the east and gaining control of oil fields. Meanwhile, Kobler poses for photo-ops and entertains anyone who is a cheerleader for the GNA.

The Libya Observer report on the attack claimed the operation was called "East Shield". The report also claims that PFG members say that the Haftar troops were backed by rebels from the Sudanese Justice and Equality movement. There were plumes of black smoke coming from the Es Sidra terminal. A port engineer said that a tank had been set afire during the clashes.

Libya's oil production has dropped from about 1.6 million barrels a day before Gadaffi was overthrown to about 200,000 barrels per day now. Haftar's move will give him more power over the GNA and threatens attempts to restart and increase production. The GNA made no move to reinforce the LFG fighters. The UN and GNA must have known that Haftar was making preparations for an attack and he said as much. The Tripoli-based NOC is moving oil in storage at Zuwetina as it feared the oil might be destroyed in clashes. As of now, Haftar and the HoR are winning the fight for control of oil while Haftar also is cementing his power over the eastern area of Libya through military appointees in place of elected civilians.

Oil facilities guards shut down two oil fields to protest not being paid

In spite of an agreement between the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) it appears that some guards have not been paid and have shut down two oil fields in protest.

Commander Mohammad Aikhbasha told Reuters that PFG members in a southern brigade had shut down the Gulf field and the Al Wafa which produce around 30,000 barrels a day of light condensate. The GNA had not paid the funds required to maintain the security operations. This is happening in spite of a recent agreement to pay the salaries. Electrical workers also have complained of not receiving their pay.

The GNA together with its Tripoli-based National Oil Company (NOC) have faced an uphill battle as it tries to increase production to gain more revenue for the new government. There have been numerous strikes and protests. As well, the eastern parts of the country have their own NOC and the rival government of PM Al-Thinni and the House of Representatives (HoR) are demanding that tankers have a permit from it in order to load oil for export. However, only the Tripoli-based NOC is so far internationally recognized. The two rival NOC's are supposed to be merged but the HoR refuses to merge until certain demands are met. Earlier, some of the oil port facilities were damaged by attacks by militants.

Al Wafa also supplies gas. The commander said: "There are about six oilfields under our guards' control and we have stopped the pumping of crude oil from Gulf and Alwafa oilfields. But gas will be continued from Al Wafa normally." No spokesperson was available from the Tripoli-based NOC to comment on the closures. The southern oil guard brigade also controls other wells and pipelines. The El-Feel and El-Shara had been closed earlier. The Al Wafa field pumps about 30,000 barrels a day of light distillate.

Increasing oil production is also hampered by delays in the GNA delivering funds budgeted for the NOC, according to chairman Mustafa Sanalla. He claims that oil production is lower by about 200,000 barrels a day because of the lack of funding, and is costing millions of dollars. The NOC has lodged complaints with the GNC.

Before Gaddafi was overthrown peak oil production was 1.6 million barrels a day but it now is below 300,000 barrels. Even though the PFG agreed to a deal to reopen two ports, they remain closed. The NOC said the opening would allow it to add 150,000 barrels per day in production. However, the oil fields that feed into the ports are controlled by tribes associated with the HoR government and in alliance with Khalifa Haftar commander in chief of the HoR Libyan National Army (LNA). Until there is an agreement with them, the ports will be starved of oil supplies.

The NOC estimates that the budget shortfalls of the corporation has resulted in production losses of a 35 million barrels or 229,000 barrels a day, valued in total at the $1.56 billion since the Presidency Council (PC) of the GNA took control of spending this March. The prospect of large amounts of Libyan oil entering global markets seems distant. The PFG also shut down the Hammad oilfield due to salary issues last week as well.

Tension grows in Libya over control of oil crescent oil export ports

The 153 Infantry brigade of General Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) entered into the town of Zuetina on August 14th but stopped short of entering the oil terminal controlled by the rival militia of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG)

The PFG is headed by Ibrahim Jadhran an opponent of Haftar. Jadhran supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and has reached a deal with the government to open several oil ports including Zuetina. Haftar does not recognize the GNA nor its armed forces. According to a Libya Herald report there was a long four-lane-wide convoy with associated military and civilian vehicles that moved slowly into town. Photos are shown with the report. There were no reported clashes with the PFG. Recently, the French, Italian, Spanish, UK, German and U.S. governments all issued a statement warning that they were worried about increasing tensions at Zuetina.

The NOC in Tripoli told Reuters that the GNA will need to allocate funds to repair damage to infrastructure at some of the ports before plans to increase production by five-fold by the end of this year can be realized. Chairman, Mustafa Sanalla said: "If we receive around $1 billion, we can do a lot." However, without agreement with stakeholders such as Haftar and tribes loyal to him who control oil fields adjacent to the oil crescent ports such Es Sidre, Ras Lanuf, and Zuetina, there will be no oil exported. Now it seems that Haftar may be moving to take control of the ports themselves from his PFG opponents. This would give Haftar and the House of Representatives (HoR) government even more leverage in negotiating with the GNA.

A recent tweet suggests that conflict could arrive soon: Unconfirmed #Reports Hafter gangs intend to attack #zwitina oil port next few hours @UNSMILibya @KoblerSRSG" As of the morning of August 14th there are no reports of clashes between the two groups as yet. The entry of the battalion into Zuetina was also announced by another tweet: " #Libya : 153th battalion of #LNA entering today in #Zueitina, 155km south of #Benghazi."

An earlier report claims that a member of the PFG was killed while driving a car with another fighter on an official mission. The PFG said that the shots came from Dignity Operation gangs. Dignity Operation was begun by Haftar in May of 2014 to clear Libya of any Islamists Haftar considers his opponents. Another fighter was injured in the confrontation and a third kidnapped.

The incident was apparently in the city of Ajdabia. The statement of the PFG read: “Dignity Operation is trying to repeat Benghazi’s atrocious scenario in Ajdabia and this incident could be the prompter of a never-ending conflict in Ajdabia. PFG is at the top level of self-constraint so that it does not get drifted into any conflict or division.” The conflict between the PFG and Haftar forces has grown since Haftar's militias now control the region's oil fields. They appear to intend on controlling not just the oil fields but now the ports.

According to the Libya Herald there has long been tension between locals and the PFG and the locals have been incensed that outsiders have shut down the port from time to time. However, Haftar may not be welcome either as he will insist on not exporting oil until he and the HoR government have an agreement satisfactory to them. The export terminal is a key employer in the town. Three years ago the locals became so upset with disruption by outsiders that they actually stormed the port and forced it to resume operations.

Libyan National Oil Company hopes to boost oil production

The National Oil Company (NOC) welcomed the announcement of the Presidency Council (PC) of the unconditional opening of several eastern oil ports by the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG), led by Ibrahim Jadhran.

The oil ports to re-open are Ras Lanauf, Es Sidre, and Zuetina. The NOC also said it was "announcing a new initiative to end the use of oil blockades as a political tool."

The NOC also revealed that in a phone call with its chairman Mustafa Sanalla, Musa Koni, the Vice-President of the PC claimed that the PC "had not paid the Petroleum Facilities Guard to open the ports. The only money paid to the PFG was for overdue salaries." Even if this is true, and we cannot be sure since the agreement details have not been released, some critics claim that the number of employees working for the PFG is greatly inflated. It is unlikely that Jadhran would agree to re-open the ports unless he were given some monetary incentive to do so.

After the deal was reached with Jadhran in Ras Lanauf with the help of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General SRSG), Martin Kobler, Sanalla had written a blistering letter to him criticizing the deal and virtually calling Jadhran a deceiver and crook. Jadhran fired back calling Mustafa's letter worthless. Jadhran appears to have won. It is now as if no dispute ever existed. Sanalla said:“I am pleased the Presidency Council agrees that we cannot reward individuals who hold Libya’s oil hostage.There can be no back room deals if we are to build trust. I call now on other groups that are using the blockade as a tactic to let Libya’s oil flow freely. In the West of Libya, 400,000 b/d of production is shut in at the Sharara and El-Feel fields”.

Sanalla claimed that it now appears that the PFG has understood the costs of a blockade are not only to the nation but to the blockaders themselves and that a blockade does not benefit anyone. At the very least, the blockade ensured that the PFG has their back salary demands met. Other blockaders, Sanalla claimed, must also understand that blockades do not benefit anyone. Of course they do, if the government gives in to the demands of the blockaders, to ensure that there are oil exports.

There is no mention of the fact that the agreement between the rival NOC's one in the east and the other in the west to merge, seems not yet to have been ratified by the HoR which has demanded changes to the agreement. Nor is there any mention of the fact that important groups have not given up on being part of any agreement before oil is allowed to flow. The tribes and their Council who control oil fields feeding into the oil crescent oil ports demand the NOC negotiate with them and have the approval of the HoR government. The Libyan National Army is demanding that any tankers intending to export oil should have a permit from the eastern-based NOC. The joint NOC is not even mentioned.

Sanalla welcomed the PC decision to budget money to the NOC to raise production, claiming it will enable the NOC to boost production up to 900,000 barrels per day by the end of this year. Sanalla said:“Now we will begin working with the Presidency Council and the Energy Committee of the House or Representatives to restart exports from the ports that were closed and from the fields that supply them. We need to be clear there are still big military, political and legal obstacles that must be resolved”, he warned...In the spirit of national unity, we urge the tribes and the municipalities in the oil-producing areas all over Libya to cooperate and join our commitment to let Libya’s oil flow freely. Libyan oil is for all Libyans”.

Notice that Sanalla contemplates working with a committee of the HoR. The NOC is in effect recognizing a government other than the PC and GNA. The UN warns against anyone working with parallel institutions rather than the GNA but this does not seem to apply to institutions of the GNA themselves.

Jadhran said that the terminals could be working again within a few days. This must surely be on a very limited basis as Es Sidre and Ras Lanauf tank farms and infrastructure have been severely damaged first by former Salvation government's Libya Dawn forces in February 2015 and later by the Islamic State.

Unity Libyan government signs deal to open oil ports

Two members of the Presidency Council (PC) of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), Musa Koni and Ahmed Mahdi, along with defense minister Mahdi Al-Barghathi, flew to Ras Lanuf today to sign a deal to open the terminal there and at Es Sidre.

Barghathi and Koni both flew in from Cairo, where they had been with GNA Prime Minister Faiez Serraj where they had talks with the rival House of Representatives head Ageela Saleh. The deal is with Ibrahim Jadhran, head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG). While details of the deal are yet to be released it is understood that a significant amount will be paid to Jadhran, including back salaries of what he claims are his 23,000 PFG forces. Some claim these numbers have been inflated and the real number is closer to 12,000 with only about 3,000 of those working within the PFG.

The deal seems to have been worked out between Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), Martin Kobler, who went to Ras Lanuf, and met with Jadhran about a week ago. The head of the Libyan National Oil Company (NOC) Mustafa Sanallah wrote a letter to Kobler filled with criticisms of the deal. Apparently, Kobler did not consult Sanallah on the deal. The Presidency Council of the GNA must have agreed to sign the resulting agreement.

Sanallah has said he will not lift force majeure on the ports if there is an agreement to pay Jadhran. As long as there is force majeure, exporters have no guarantee that contracts will be met making it very risky to use the ports.

Sanallah claimed the deal set a terrible precedent through rewarding Jadhran for extorting money from the state through shutting the ports.

Sanallah has rejected the agreement with Jadhran, accusing him of being a trickster. Sanallah also accused UN envoy Martin Kobler of backing one of the biggest deceivers in the country. Sanallah accused Presidency Council member Fathi Mijibri, a close ally to Jadhran, of using his position to capture the NOC. Sanallah even threatened to withdraw NOC recognition of the UN-installed government. Before that happens I would expect that Sanallah would be fired. There has been no statement from Sanallah as yet about the signing of the deal.

The Observer reports the government agreed to pay an LYD 241 million to Jodran in order to resume exports, but a source confirmed that only LYD 85 million out of the total amount has been paid to him so far. Ajdabiya mayor Salem Jodran, brother of Ibrahim Jodran, confirmed that the agreement to reopen the ports was reached after ensuring the rights of PFG employees and their salaries.

Stakeholders who have control of oil infrastructure have long insisted they need to be compensated for keeping ports open, allowing exports or production. Tribes south of the ports want some compensation as does Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army, whose forces control some fields. The House of Representatives (HoR) government also demands revenue from export sales.. The latter insists that any tanker that loads oil must have a permit from the eastern-based National Oil Company. There is supposed to be one merged NOC but the deal establishing it has not been accepted by the HoR.

Head of Libyan National Oil Company condemns deal to open oil ports

- An agreement between UN envoy to Libya Martin Kobler and Ibrahim Jodhran, head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), has been denounced by the chair of the National Oil Company (NOC), Mustafa Sanalla.

Last Thursday, Kobler, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, met with Jodhran. As the Libyan Herald reported: "Kobler appeared overjoyed to meet the controversial PFG leader whose regular closure of export terminals from 2013 onwards cruelly demonstrated the powerlessness of the-then Ali Zeidan government in Tripoli." In spite of losing several billion dollars in export revenue by his extended closing of the ports in order to get a better deal from the government, Jodhran's support of the GNA and pledge to help export more oil has been welcomed by Kobler. Kobler, the GNA, and international oil companies are anxious that Libya increase its production and export of oil. Jodhran is an opponent of General Khalifa Haftar who opposes the GNA and supports the HoR and the Al-Thinni government. The agreement details were not released but are said to have included salaries for the guards.
In a letter to Kobler, a copy of which was obtained by the Libya Herald, Sanalla said he was dismayed at Kobler's meeting with Jadhran, whom he claimed had cost Libya "over $100 billion in lost revenues."He lashed out at Kobler: ‘’For you to associate yourself and the United Nations with one of most despised individuals in the country will severely tarnish your reputation, and that of the United Nations. Your job in future will not be made easier by this step’’. He also said that recognition of Jadhran set a bad precedent in that everyone who can muster a militia will be encouraged to shut down a pipeline, an oilfield or port to see what they can extort. This ignores the fact that Libya already faces the situation that Sanalla describes.
Sanalla complains that Jodhran was malevolent and was only motivated by what was good for Jathran. This description probably applies just as well to other stakeholders in the Libya oil patch. After the Kobler agreement, the tribes associated with the oil fields that feed into Jodhran's ports of Ras Lanauf and Es Sidre, noted that the agreement did not represent them and their agreement was needed. They, just as Jodhran, want their cut of the oil revenues. The tribes and their Council support the rival HoR government rather than the GNA.
The tribal objections were underlined by statements from the Commander of the Marada Operations Room who said that they will not allow crude oil to be pumped to the ports which are under the control of armed guards headed by Jodhran. The commander said the oil fields were under control of the HoR and its commander in chief Khalifa Haftar.
That a UN official should make a deal with Jodhran rather than the GNA through the NOC is astonishing in the first place. That Kobler should also ignore the fact that the fields which supply the ports are held by those who do not even recognize the GNA is even more astonishing. The obvious anger evident in the NOC chair's letter is not in the least bit surprising.
Sanilla warned that in order to avoid legal claims it would not lift force majeure, and that if UNSMIL or the GNA supported Jadhran they could be liable in courts. The entire letter to Kobler can be found here.
Sanilla even threatened that the NOC might refuse to recognize the Presidency Council if events kept on as they have been.
Sanilla makes no mention of the recent agreement to merge the two rival NOCs one based in Tobruk and the other in Tripoli. The HoR government has rejected the deal and will not accept it until certain demands are met including agreement on the division of revenues. There seems to be little in the press as to what if anything has happened in terms of getting the agreement of the HoR to the merger. This is just one more problem to be solved before Libya can hope to improve its oil production and exportation to any significant degree.

Tribes who control oil fields feeding oil crescent ports demand they be part of any export agreement

Tribes who control eastern oilfields said any agreement between Ibrahim Jodhran, head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), and UN envoy Martin Kobler to reopen oil exporting ports does not cover their areas of oil production and pumping.

Yesterday, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Martin Kobler flew to the eastern oil port of Ras Lanauf to meet with Jodhran. Kobler appeared happy to meet with him since he supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and would like to see the oil ports he controls exporting oil once again. Jodhran cost the Libyan economy billions by keeping the ports closed for extended periods over disputes with the government for better terms.

In 2013, Jodhran set up a Cyrenaica government with its own cabinet. He also established a separate oil company and tried to export crude oil through the company. The tanker Morning Glory was intercepted by the U.S. and its cargo unloaded in the western part of Libya. Few details were given of the talks but Kobler welcomed Jodhran's backing of the Presidency Council (PC) and the GNA. Jodhran is a strong opponent of the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Khalifa Haftar. The LNA is the armed forces of the House of Representatives (HoR) government of PM Abdullah Al-Thinni.

The tribes who control the eastern oilfields have formed a Supreme Council for the Wahat Oil, Gas and Water Basin areas. The UN, the international community, and the GNA are anxious to quickly ramp up Libya's oil production and exports. Kobler met Jodhran to further arrangements to open the Ras Lanauf and Es Sidre ports that the PFG control. Increased exports would generate badly needed revenue for the GNA. There was an agreement reached between the two rival National Oil Companies (NOC) to merge, but the HoR government has rejected the deal unless certain conditions are met.

However, opening the ports will be of little use unless there is a steady supply of oil coming in from the Wahat Basin fields. Kobler had mentioned that the recent Tunis talks with Libyan Dialogue members had focused on people's concerns and those included oil production. Kobler tweeted: "Glad to hear support of #PC/#GNA from Ibrahim Jadhran and tribal leaders. #RasLanuf #Libya " The tribal leaders that Kobler mentions obviously did not include those from the Supreme Council of those tribes who control the oil fiellds supplying the ports.

Jonathan Winer, the U.S. special envoy for Libya, tweeted that Libya needed to pump oil to generate revenue that could pay salaries. UK ambassador Peter Millet told a UK House of Lords committee at the end of June that the plan was for Libya to increase production from less than 200,000 barrels a day now to around 700,000 barrels a day. This is still considerably less than production just before Gadaffi was overthrown, which was about 1.5 million barrels a day. However, as Millet notedthe main obstacles to increased oil production were not technical but political and asked significantly " are people in control of pipelines ready to permit it ...and at what price.?

A statement from the Supreme Council makes clear the relevance of Milltet's remark. It said that "any political agreement between the UN Representative Martin Kobler with any armed groups regarding the commencement of oil exports is a non-agreement and does not represent the Basin area and its inhabitants and does not represent an agreement to restart of production from the oilfields situated within the area of the (seven) Wahat Basin." The statement went on to say that the Council would not be committed to any agreement reached without its own knowledge and consent.

The Council also demanded that any agreement must have the permission of the Al-Thinni government of the HoR and the eastern National Oil Company associated with the HoR. There is no mention of the agreement between the two rival oil companies to merge or of the new merged oil company. Just to make the need for the Council to be involved absolutely clear, the statement went on to say that those controlling the export terminals do not in any way represent the production, manufacturing and pumping areas. The statement concludes: ‘‘If Mr Kobler wishes to talk about the restart of Libyan oil production, he has to communicate with the Supreme Council of the Basin’.’

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Islamic State in Libya now attacked from the east by Petroleum Facilities Guard

Salem Jedran, mayor of the town of Ajdabiya, says troops of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) are advancing toward the town of Bin Jawad, which has been held by the Islamic State (IS) since early January.

Jedran claimed that clashes are underway on eastern outskirts of the town. Bin Jawad is about 160 kilometers or 99 miles from the city of Sirte the main stronghold of IS in Libya. A recent tweet includes photos allegedly of the PFG near Bin Jawad: "#Libya : Pro-PFG account released pics of #PFG near Bin Jawad. Localization could be 19km from Bin Jawad - FB ".

The Libya Herald reports that two units of the central region (PFG) from Ajdabiya had moved within a few kilometers of Nufliva and Bin Jawad. A source close to the head of the guards, Ibrahim Jadhran, told the paper that it was "amost" in control of Bin Jawad and very near Nufliya. Jadhran is an opponent of Haftar. Reportedly he has been fired and replaced by the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) of PM Al-Thinni. The firing appears not to have taken effect. Jadhran supports the GNA unlike Haftar. The area is heavily mined and two PFG fighters are already reported wounded and sent to Ras Lanuf for medical treatment. The two towns being attacked are thirty kilometers apart and are being attacked by separate units. Nufliya is being approached through desert tracks rather than the road.

The Islamic State is now facing attacks from two fronts. Reports say that the Misrata militia are just 30 kilometers from the city center. The Libyan Gazette reports that forces loyal to the Government of National Accord are now surrounding Sirte. Another report claims that the forces have taken control of the Khaleej power steam plant, even closer to Sirte at 20 kilometers. It had been overtaken by IS just a year ago. The Facebook page of the western operations room Bunyan Marsous (BMOR) claimed that they are working together with the PFG. A PFG source said he did not know but that the Misratan troops would not be allowed to move east to Nufliva and Bin Jawad. No doubt Haftar will be perturbed by what is happening. The PFG supports more power for the eastern area Cyrenaica.

In spite of the fact the Islamic State will have huge problems defending two fronts, Haftar has not yet attacked from the east even though he announced he was marching to liberate Sirte weeks ago. He recently had a council of war with his eastern commanders. His western Zintan area Chief of Staff, Abdul Razak Al-Nazhuri, was not present. He recently threatened to "liberate" Tripoli. The GNA PM Serraj and the UN's Martin Kobler do not seem to have noticed. The meeting discussed the army buildup for the advance towards Sirte. Apparently the army is gathered south of the town of Ajdabiya and the group talked of the logistics of a westward advance. They also talked about security in Benghazi after all the militants had been cleared out. Haftar may find that his enemies within the PFG and in the Misrata militia have already defeated IS before he gets started. He has been busy with Operation Volcano attacking Shura Council jihadists who were instrumental in clearing the Islamic State out of the city.

Gadaffi's cousin claims thousands from former dictators' brigades serve in Libyan National Army

Ahmed Gaddaf Al-Dam, a cousin of former Libyan dictator Muamar Gadaffi, claims that thousands of former members of Gadaffi's military brigades are now part of Khalifa Haftar's militia or the Libyan National Army (LNA).

Al-Dam made the statement to the London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. He also claimed he was holding meetings with what he called "yesterday's enemies" both inside Libya and outside it. He said he was carrying out dialogues with his "leaders and their jailers." Al-Dam said once the Tobruk-base House of Representatives (HoR) endorsed the UN-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), he would pledge allegiance to it. However, there have been many meetings of the HoR to vote confidence in the GNA but all have either lacked a quorum or been disrupted. It is not clear when or even if the HoR will vote confidence in the GNA. Even if the vote finally takes place, it will no doubt pass only if Khalifa Haftar, the commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army, keeps his job. As the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) is now, section 8 gives Haftar's job to the Presidential Council (PC) of the GNA.

Al-Dam said he had no relationship with Faiez Serraj, the PM and head of the PC of the GNA. He claimed: “Gaddafi loyalists can never be marginalized by anyone; they are the strongest link in the Libyan scene.”

Al-Dam added that the recent VIenna talks in which many foreign ministers pledged support for the GNA were a farce. Many figures, such as Serraj, he said were used as "decoration" by the summit. He called the EU and U.S. sanctions on the speaker and head of the HoR, Ageelah Salah, as "unacceptable, illegitimate, and ill-mannered." He claimed they are also against democratic rules and ineffective as well.

There appears to be a growing division between those who support the UN-brokered GNA, mostly in the west, and supporters of Haftar and the Tobruk-based HoR, mostly in the east. However, the head of the Petroleum Forces Guard in the east, Ibrahim Jodhran, supports the GNA and is opposed to Haftar. In the west the Zintan brigades support Haftar and are part of the Libyan National Army (LNA). They are very much opposed to the GNA. A recent tweet said: " Khalifa Hafter's top aide Abdul Raziq Nadouri: Our forces are 10km away from Tripoli, liberating it is very soon." However, reports on what is happening in Libya are often contested. Recently it was reported that Haftar ordered the GNA defense minister Mahdi Al-Barghathi to return back to Benghazi, but a recent article in the Libya Herald reports that a Haftar spokesperson says this was not correct. The presence of many Gadaffi loyalists in Haftar's militia will serve to exacerbate the growing division between supporters of the GNA and those supporting the HoR and Haftar.

Haftar gains control of 14 oil fields in Libya

According to a report in the Libya Herald, the minister of defence in the Government of National Accord (GNA), Mahdi Barghathi, flew to Tripoli from Ras Lanuf where he just finished talks with Ibrahim Jodhran, head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG).

The Herald reports:

He flew into Mitiga from Ras Lanuf where yesterday he had further talks with Ibrahim Jadhran, the commander of the Petroleum Facilities’ Guards (PFG) in the central region. The meeting coincided with reports that the Libyan National Army, under the control of Khalifa Hafter, has now taken control of more than a dozen oil fields in the Sirte basin that before the so-called Islamic State started raiding them had been secured by the PFG.The Libya Observer earlier reported that Haftar had seized 14 oil fields in the Mirada and Zilla basins.

Jadhran supports the GNA and is opposed to Haftar, who in turn opposes Jadhran and Barghathi, even though he is or was part of Operation Dignity. The Haftar-led military operation started in May 2014 and is intended to clear Libya of Islamists who are his enemies, including those in Misrata who are fighting the Islamic State. GNA ministers are heading to Tripoli to start working from there. Apparently Barghathi left Benghazi and Ras Lanuf without "permission from Haftar." Haftar has twice kept prime minister of the HoR, Al-Thinni, from flying out of Libya.

When Barghathi left Benghazi he went to Sidra to inspect PFG forces. Jhadran welcomed him and along with his forces pledged loyalty to Barghatti. Barghatti warned that the battle against the Islamic State could turn into a civil war. If the PFG support the GNA and Barghatti, this will mean that Haftar has yet to secure the three oil ports in the crescent that are guarded by the PFG. Some analysts report that the LNA under Haftar will not attack Sirte until it has secured the oil fields. No doubt Haftar would also like to secure the oil ports guarded by the PFG. There have been reports that Jodhran had been replaced by the Al-Thinni government, but if this report is true it has not taken effect. The situation is confusing in that there are conflicting reports. Not long ago a report was issued that an agreement had been struck between the PFG and the LNA but this account contradicts other reports such as the one just discussed. The LNA is in the area of the ports but so far there is no sign of any clashes between the LNA and the PFG. There are no clashes with the Islamic State either which is only a few miles to the west. Haftar is busy attacking the Shura Council fighters in Derna who had been instrumental in driving IS from Derna. He may wait until he has defeated them and secured more oil ports before attacking the IS, unless the Misrata militia whom he considers his enemies gain too much ground. Haftar no doubt wants the HoR government to control as much territory as it can.

Haftar attacks Islamists instrumental in driving ISIS out of Derna

The spokesperson for Haftar's militias, Ahmed Al-Mismari, said their forces were besieging Derna from four directions. They are ready to advance into the city at any moment to liberate it from terrorism.

Most media are deafeningly quiet about what is happening. According to the Libya Observer, the Derna Operation is called "Al Burkan," the volcano. The spokesperson claims they do not aim to enter the city but of isolate it and control its entrances. However, there are already reports of clashes between Haftar militias and revolutionaries of the Derna Shura Council who run the city. The Observer reports that the clashes took place in the A-Heela district which previously saw the revolutionaries fight with the Islamic State. While Haftar's Libyan National Army forces claimed credit for driving the Islamic State from Derna, the Shura Council of Mujahideen said that Haftar forces actually hindered their fight against the Islamic State. The Observer says:

 It is worth mentioning that Derna Shura Council revolutionaries announced on April 20 the liberation of the city from IS, as they were killed and fought out of their last hideout in Al-Fatayeh after months-long clashes without any help from Haftar’s militias, which call whoever does not pledge allegiance to them “terrorists”.In addition, the remaining militants of IS who were fighting in Al-Fatyeh escaped through five checkpoints and locations for Haftar’s militias when they were retreating from Derna toward Sirte without ever being intercepted by them, knowing that the IS militants attacked the Oil Facilities Guard on their way, which was regarded by the latter s a clear coordination between IS and Haftar’s militias to control the oil fields and ports.

Reporting on events in Libya often takes the form of narratives supporting one side or the other, that may or may not be true. In a recent article I gave an account of events that included an agreement between Haftar's forces and the Petroleum Forces Guards(PFG) that the LNA, Haftar's forces, could go through Ras Lanuf and that the PFG was at their disposal. However, Commander of Ajdabiya Border Division, Colonel Bashir Budhifra, has denied that Haftar's forces have been given permission to pass through the area. Of the deal that LNA Colonel Wanis Bokhmada was supposed to have made he said: "Colonel Wanis Bokhmada came to show support to the army and Petroleum Facilities Guard in the oil crescent region, and to express condolences and check on the health conditions of the wounded fighters,

Whatever the reason, Haftar appears not be in the process of attacking Sirte even though he started out for the area well over a week ago. Instead he is attacking the forces that did most of the fighting that drove the Islamic State out of Derna. This is not the first attack on those forces. As long ago as February unidentified planes had bombed the revolutionaries and Haftar kept on with air attacks after the Islamic State had withdrawn from Derna. It will be interesting to say what if anything Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General(SRSG) has to say about Haftar's operations in Derna. No doubt, Haftar thinks that his operations come within the exceptions to the supposed cessation of hostilities that is part of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). The war on terrorism can continue. For Haftar all his opponents are terrorists. In the case of Derna one group within the Shura Council, Ansar al-Sharia are actually characterized by some countries including the US as terrorists. However, other Islamists often cooperate with them as happens in a number of Shura Councils.

Most reports of what is happening come from tweets. For example, about the clashes between revolutionaries and the LNA there is this tweet: "#Libya-#Derna: #MSCD claims to have destroyed 3 military vehicles of #LNA/Haftar forces in al-Hila & Budhahak" MSCD is the Mujahideen Shura Council of Derna.