Libya repels attack on oil region

BENGHAZI: Radical fighters launched a three-pronged attack Saturday on a key oil region in eastern Libya but were pushed back by pro-government forces, military officials said.
Fighters from Fajr Libya, an anti-government coalition, staged an assault on the region of Al-Hilal from three sides but the air force repelled them, said Brig. Gen. Saqr Jarushi.
“Air force jets and helicopters struck the fighters as they advanced on Al-Sidra oil terminal,” he said, adding that the air raids had caused “a large number of casualties.”
Earlier a statement from Fajr Libya said the coalition had launched a military operation to “liberate oil fields and terminals.” Jarushi said that after the army fended off the attack, clashes broke out between soldiers and radical fighters.
A “state of emergency” was declared in the region, added Jarushi, who is part of forces led by ex-general Khalifa Haftar battling for control of the capital Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi.
Ibrahim Al-Jadran, who heads a government unit in charge of guarding Libya’s oil installations, said troops were still facing “some pockets of resistance.”
Libya’s economy took a heavy hit after rebels blockaded export terminals in July 2013.