Libya says attempts to suspend operations at Sharara oil field are ‘political blackmail’

(Reuters) – Libya’s internationally recognised government condemned on Sunday attempts to shut operations at the Sharara oil field, describing them as “political blackmail”.

In a statement, the government said it would not spare efforts to defend the interests of the Libyan people after local protesters partially shut down the field on Saturday.

The Sharara field, one of Libya’s largest production areas with a capacity of about 300,000 barrels per day, has been a frequent target of local protesters for various political reasons.

(Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly; Editing by Gareth Jones)