Tripoli: The Libyan Government assigned by the House of Representatives (HoR) has issued a call to the international community to address the escalating threats facing Libya’s vital oil sector. This appeal follows concerns over an alleged attack on the National Oil Corporation’s (NOC) headquarters in Tripoli.
According to Libyan News Agency, the government has urged the Attorney General’s Office to launch a full investigation into what it describes as an attack on the NOC’s headquarters. The government is pressing for swift action to identify and apprehend those responsible and has indicated that it may be necessary to implement precautionary measures, which could include declaring force majeure.
In a statement released on its Facebook page, the Libyan Government highlighted that the attack on the NOC’s Chairman’s office and the threats to its employees represent a dangerous precedent. This event poses a significant threat to a sovereign institution integral to the national economy and jeopardizes the oil s
ector, which is crucial to the wealth and livelihood of Libyans. It also hampers efforts to unify state institutions, especially sovereign ones.
The government expressed bewilderment at what it termed the “deliberate silence” from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the U.S. envoy. It called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in addressing these growing threats to the Libyan oil sector.
The statement concluded with a warning that, should these attacks continue, the government might be compelled to take precautionary steps. These could include declaring force majeure on oil fields and ports or temporarily relocating the NOC headquarters to a safer location, such as Ras Lanuf or Brega.
In contrast, the NOC has refuted claims of any storming of its building in Tripoli, labeling such reports as completely false. The corporation has urged media outlets to maintain accuracy and professionalism by relying on official sources, particularly when reporting on matters
related to sovereign facilities vital to the national economy.