The military campaign in Libya has now spread to the country’s oil fields. According to reports, British jets have bombed the key oilfield of Sarir, killing three guards and injuring several workers. However, NATO has denied carrying out any strikes in the area and said that Qaddafi’s troops are responsible instead. Forces loyal to Qaddafi had earlier launched assaults on oil reserves to prevent rebel fighters from getting their hands on the crude. Rebel sources on Wednesday announced that attacks by Qaddafi troops on the Misla and Sarir oilfields have put a halt to oil production in that area. The announcement comes as the first rebel tanker carrying oil left the port city of Tubruk to be exported to China. Rebels say they will use the profits to buy medicine, food and arms for their fighters.
