13 June – 19 June: Ibrahim Jadhran attacks and takes control of Sidra and Ras Lanuf oil ports

Jun 19, 2018 | Libyan actors

On 14 June, forces under the command of Ibrahim Jadhran attacked and took control of Sidra and Ras Lanuf oil ports from Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) forces. The LNA has since conducted airstrikes against the attackers, while attempting to remobilise and organise forces for a counter attack. Large LNA units are currently being deployed to Brega and Ajdabiya for the counter offensive. Large LNA units are currently being deployed to Brega and Ajdabiya for the counter offensive.

In a video message published on 14 June, Jadhran said that the attack was to right the injustices committed against the people of the Oil Crescent by the LNA, to allow Magharba communities driven out by the LNA to return to their homeland, and to defend against the LNA, which he deemed a terrorist organisation. Jadhran claimed he was taking the ports in the name of the PFG of the Government of National Accord (GNA). A number of Magharba tribesmen from Ajdabiya and other Oil Crescent cities joined or gave their support to Jadhran. However, other notable Magharba figures such as tribal leader Saleh Latiwesh and the Magharba Council of Tribal Elders condemned the attack, reiterating their support to the LNA and calling on the tribe to distance itself from Jadhran. A significant portion of the PFG who are from the Maghraba tribe continue to operate under the LNA.

The GNA, and its Tripoli-based PFG, issued a statement condemning the attack and distancing itself from Jadhran. National Oil Corporation (NOC) Chairman Sanallah made a number of statements condemning Jadhran as a criminal warlord, warning of the catastrophic effects of the attack and closure of the ports. Both the US and EU have condemned the attack.