Sidra, Libya

Sidra or Sidr (Arabic: السدرة‎) is a port about 23 km west of Ra's Lanuf in Libya. It is Libya's largest oil depot, shipping about 447,000 barrels per day (71,100 m3/d),[3] and during the Cold War gave its name to the 'Gulf of Sidra', an alternative name for the Gulf of Sirte. Sidra Airport is directly next to the port.

Sidra

السدرة
Town
Sidra
Location in Libya
Coordinates: 30°37′46″N 18°21′01″E
Country Libya
RegionTripolitania
DistrictSirte
Elevation10 m (30 ft)
Population
 (1995)[2]
 • Total9,186
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)

History

This oil port increased in importance as Libya's economy developed in the last quarter of the 20th century.

Libyan Civil War

During the Libyan Civil War, forces under the leadership of the National Transitional Council captured the port of Sidra at the beginning of March 2011. Pro-Gaddafi forces tried to retake the port from the anti-Gaddafi forces some days later.

Second Libyan Civil War

During the Second Libyan Civil War, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's Libyan branch launched an attempt to seize the port in January 2016. At least one oil storage tank was set ablaze by a long-range rocket.

In June 2018, militiamen led by Ibrahim Jadhran seized the port from the Libyan National Army. The LNA recaptured the port on 21 June.[4]

In January 2020, the National Oil Corporation declared force majuere over oil loadings at the port after an blockade was imposed by tribes affiliated with the Libyan National Army of Khalifa Haftar.[5]

In July 2020, the National Oil Corporation reported that Wagner Group, Janjaweed and Syrian mercenaries were present at the port.[6]

References
  1. "Marina: Ras Es Sider (Sirte, Baladiyat Surt)". Port Booker. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  2. Amraja M. el Khajkhaj, "Noumou al Mudon as Sagheera fi Libia", Dar as Saqia, Benghazi-2008, p.111.
  3. Javier Blas and David Blair (1 March 2011). "Oil groups seek Libyan rebels' assurances". Financial Times.
  4. "After the Showdown in Libya's Oil Crescent". Crisis Group. 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  5. "المؤسسة الوطنية للنفط - Port blockade public information notice - 20 January 2020". noc.ly. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  6. "المؤسسة الوطنية للنفط - NOC deeply concerned at potential for military escalation, deployment of foreign mercenaries at oil installations". noc.ly. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
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