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The Libyan National Army (LNA) has handed over the El-Sharara oilfield, the country’s biggest, to security forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA), according to Libyan officials.
On February 19, a spokesman for GNA oil firm NOC will reopen the El Sharara oilfield only after an inspection to establish security.
“NOC has sent an inspection team to assess security at Sharara and to verify that all armed militia have left the field prior to force majeure being lifted,” the spokesman said in a text message quoted by Aran News.
Control over the oilfield has been claimed by different forces since tribesmen and state guards seized it in December 2018. These forces were making financial and other demands to the GNA. However, after the start of the LNA operation in southern Syria situation has changed. The LNA entered the area and restored security there.
Currently, the LNA controls a majority of oilfields in Libya. The recent development in the El Sharara oilfield area strengthened the LNA role in the Libyan oil business further. The GNA is not happy with the LNA expansion. Therefore, the restart of production at the El Sharara field may take longer than some commentators expect.
