The spokesman for the Libyan Army, Mohamed Gununu said, “it is now time for Libyan oil to flow once more, and we will strike hard at those who tampered with Libyan’s sustenance”.

He issued, as he called it “the last warning” for those who fight in Haftar’s ranks, struggling in the final strongholds in western Libya, particularly Alasaba, Mizda, Tarhuna and South Tripoli, advising them to lay down their arms and surrender, promising swift and just trials for all who do so.

It will be recalled that, ostensibly, tribal supporters of Khalifa Hafter in the eastern Libyan oil crescent blockaded oil ports preventing Libya from exporting its production on 18 January – the eve of the Berlin conference on Libya. Other fields in other areas were also shut down. The internationally recognized government in Tripoli blames the blockade directly on Khalifa Hafter.