Libya: Anger of Fezzan Movement claims to shut down Sharara, El-Feel oilfields January 19 /update 1

Event

The Anger of Fezzan Movement claims to have shut down the Sharara and El-Feel oilfields (Wadi al-Hayaa district) on Sunday, January 19. The reported shutdown of both oilfields, under Libyan National Army (LNA) control, notably come as national and international stakeholders are attending a peace summit in Berlin aiming to reach a settlement to end the war between the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and the LNA. The pipeline between Sharara and the Zawiyah refinery may also have been shut down in the Hamada area.

Force majeure may be declared on exports from Zawiyah over the near term. Similar incidents are possible over the coming days and weeks as fighting continues.

Context

This shutdown of the Sharara and El-Feel oilfields is in line with recent LNA moves to build pressure on the GNA and remind stakeholders that the LNA retains control over most of Libya's oil reserves. Notably, protesters reportedly entered the Zueitina oil terminal on January 17, forcing the facility to temporarily close. The demonstrators marched on the port at the behest of regional tribal leaders aligned with LNA commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces are attempting to wrestle control of Tripoli from the internationally recognized GNA.

The LNA launched an offensive on Tripoli on April 4, 2019, and prompted evacuations of foreigners from Tripoli on April 7, 2019. LNA and GNA airstrikes have been sporadically reported since April 8, 2019. The bulk of recent fighting has been concentrated in the southern suburbs of the capital.

Advice

Individuals in Libya are advised to monitor the situation, avoid areas affected by fighting, maintain safe and current evacuation plans, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.