Threats and authorisation to bomb the North Korean-flagged, 36,300 dwt tanker were issued yesterday as the ship loaded with crude oil from rebel controlled port Es-sider.
The ship is to be escorted to Tripoli by the Navy, or else sunk with its multi-million dollar cargo of crude oil, according to Libya Herald. Along with the authorisation of force, the Libyan Defence Ministry announced that any damage to the ship would be the responsibility of its owners.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the ship's captain and crew, who Tripoli insists have broken numerous international laws.
A US State Department spokesperson stated that the oil belongs to Libya's national oil company and its partners, and that the purchase of stolen oil would bring about sanctions and civil action.
The rebel movement currently holds three similar ports and is calling for the distribution of oil revenue throughout Libya. The group's leader has stated that any act of aggression against the vessel would be taken as an act of war.
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