The 2004-built, 34,648 dwt crude oil tanker Anwaar Afriqya has been released from Libya’s port of Tobruk after the country’s internationally recognized government diverted the vessel under the threat of air attacks, and prevented it from delivering 24,000 tonnes of fuel to the rival administration at the port of Misrata, according to Reuters.
The tanker was released after an inspection revealed that it had no weapons on board.
The recognized government of Libya has operated from the east of the country since last summer when Libya Dawn took over Tripoli, and set up a self-proclaimed government headquarters in the country’s capital.
Although the Libya Dawn government is not internationally recognized, it controls ministries in Tripoli and ports in western Libya.
Earlier this month, the recognized government of Libya authorized air strikes on a Greek tanker and a fishing vessel reportedly carrying fuel to the opposition.
World Maritime News Staff