Libyan warplane bombs Greek-operated oil tanker at port, two dead
By Aymen al Warfalli and Angeliki Koutantou
BENGHAZI, Libya/ATHENS (Reuters) - A Libyan warplane from forces loyal to the internationally recognized government bombed a Greek-operated oil tanker anchored off the coast, killing two crewmen in an escalation of hostilities between factions vying to rule the country.
Military officials said the vessel had acted suspiciously after a warning not to enter port and said it was suspected of transporting Islamist militants to Derna, the eastern port city where the ship was at anchor when it was hit on Sunday.
State oil firm NOC said it had leased the ship to carry fuel for power generation to Derna from Brega, an oil port to the west. The vessel was damaged, but none of the 12,600 tonnes of heavy oil leaked out, the Athens-based operator Aegean Shipping Enterprises Co. said.
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