Libyan forces say they have retaken oil ports

BENGHAZI, Libya – Libyan forces say they have regained full control of vital oil terminals in the east after a militia attacked the facilities two weeks ago.

Ahmed al-Mesmari, a spokesman for the self-styled Libyan National Army, told reporters Monday that the LNA returned the oil ports of Ras Lanuf and al-Sidr to Libya’s national oil firm, which is controlled by an interim government in the east.

Before the attack, the ports were controlled by the U.N.-backed government in the capital, Tripoli.

The LNA is led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, who is at odds with the Tripoli government.

Rival militias led by Ibrahim Jadhran attacked the oil ports, forcing the National Oil Corporation to suspend exports and evacuate its employees.

Libya descended into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled Moammar Gadhafi.