Libyan oilfield seized by gunmen claiming to be from Islamic State

Libya Herald reports that an armed group claiming to be from the Islamic State has attacked the Mabruk oilfield, 170 kilometres southeast of Sirte, yesterday afternoon. Four Petroleum Facilities Guards were killed and three Filipino workers were taken hostage in the attack.

The attackers apparently claimed to be members of the Islamic State terrorist group and gave what was described as a religious speech before leaving.

The oilfield, operated by Mabruk, a joint venture between the National Oil Corporation, France’s Total and Norway’s Statoil, has not been pumping for several months because of the closure of Sidra oil terminal. However, there were some 60 staff, contractors and guards at the field, maintaining and protecting the facilities.

42 members of staff and two guards were flown to Tripoli. Three Nigerian contracted staff, who were thought to have gone into hiding during the attack are still unaccounted for.