ISIS attack key oil depot in Libya

Islamic State is attacking the key oil depot Sidra, claiming the victory in the name of Abu Mughira al-Qahtani

4 January 2016, 1:18pm

1 min read

Photo posted on social media claims to be of a Sidra oil storage tanke on fire following ISIS attack

The Islamic State has claimed the “full control” of Ben Jawad in Libya, in a media statement released today. Reports on Twitter also claimed that ISIS pressed for Ras Lanuf, following their advance east of Bin Jawad.

ISIS reportedly claimed the victory in the name of Abu Mughira al-Qahtani, a militant previously referred to as the new leader of ISIS in Libya.

The statement of the alleged seizure comes as reports emerged on an ISIS attack on Sidra, a key oil depot in Libya capable of producing up around 500,000 barrels a day.

Concurrently, UK media reported that British special forces have been sent to Libya in a bid to halt ISIS’ advance. SAS troops are understood to be preparing for an offensive involving 1,000 British soldiers to wrest back control of a dozen oil fields seized by the jihadists.