ISIS already control the Libyan Mediterranean port city of Sirte, which they would then use to distribute their oil globally. Pretty sophisticated for a JV team, ‘eh?

Tripoli (AFP) – Fighting raged between the Islamic State group and Libyan forces Tuesday as the jihadists pushed on the country’s crucial coastal oil terminals.

For the second day running, IS jihadists — an increasingly powerful force in strife-torn Libya — attacked oil facilities in the so-called “oil crescent” along Libya’s northern coast.

IS has for several weeks been trying to push east from its coastal stronghold of Sirte and officials have warned of crippling consequences if the jihadists manage to seize control of Libya’s oil resources.

“Fighting continued today between Daesh and oil facility guards backed by the air force,” said Ali al-Hassi, a spokesman for the unit tasked with guarding oil installations, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

“The fighting is happening in an area 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Al-Sidra and we have lost seven men,” he said.

The key Al-Sidra and Ras Lanouf oil terminals were both targeted in IS attacks on Monday, prompting the National Oil Company to call on Libya’s internationally recognised government to “fully assume its responsibilities” and support guards with weapons, ammunition and equipment.

“If Daesh took control of oil terminals and fields around Al-Sidra, it would greatly paralyse the foundations of the Libyan state,” it said, adding that many guards had not been paid for several months.

IS fighters on Monday launched attacks, including a suicide car bombing, near Al-Sidra and Ras Lanouf, an army official said.