IS claims suicide blast on Libya oil company

Two employees and three IS assailants died during Monday's attack, which targeted the oil sector that funds 95 percent of state revenues.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

11 September, 2018

Fire at Libya oil facility after IS attack

Fire at oil facility in northern Libya after IS attack [Getty]

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on Monday against Libya's National Oil Corporation headquarters in Tripoli, an attack that killed two employees.

Three attackers also died in the assault, IS said in a statement published by the SITE Intelligence Group which tracks jihadists.

IS said it hit the "economic interests of the pro-Crusader governments of the tyrants of Libya", describing the oil company as a legitimate target which funds "the war on the mujahedeen (holy warriors)".

Libyan security services said Monday the remains of two suicide bombers were found inside the NOC building.

Monday's attack was the latest on Libya's vital oil sector, which provides 95 percent of state revenues, but has been repeatedly disrupted by violence since the 2011 NATO-backed rebellion toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Twitter Post

By the end of 2017, output fell to about 20 percent of the 1.6 million barrels per day produced in Libya under Gaddafi.

While IS was driven in December 2016 from its main fiefdom of Sirte, east of Tripoli, the group continues to carry out deadly attacks.

It remains active in the centre and south of the country, while "sleeper cells" are present in northern Libya.

Agencies contributed to this report.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab