TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) Libya's government on Wednesday warned oil companies not to buy from export terminals seized by militias in the east of the country.
Separately, the government said that it would cut financial support to militias who assist in providing security by the end of the year. The weak central government's authority is challenged by armed groups, but it also relies on them to keep order.
In its strongly worded statement on the oil terminals, the government said such dealings were a "blatant violation" of Libyan sovereignty and a "crime" punishable by law.
It said that it had a list of companies who it claimed were "trying" to buy oil and that they are under surveillance.
Air and naval forces were ordered to "confront any vessels (violating the order) with force, arrest and detention," the statement said.