The National Oil Corporation in Libya (NOC) has declared a force majeure on Ras Lanuf and Sidra and evacuated its staffers from the two oil terminals for fear for their safety as heavy clashes broke in the oil crescent region with the advance of forces led by former commander of so-called Oil Facilities Guard (PFG) Ibrahim Jodran.

NOC estimated over 240 barrels of crude lost in Thursday surprise fighting in the area, adding that a vessel scheduled to dock at Sidra oil terminal for loading oil was denied entrance for a later time.

"We call for bringing to justice all those individuals and groups that are trying to seize control of oil facilities and blockade oil production thus using the NOC to achieve personal gains." A statement by the NOC remarked.

Ibrahim Jodran's forces declared Thursday a military operation in the oil crescent region to retake it from the self-styled army of Khalifa Haftar, which he described as “a terrorist entity.”

Jodran forces seized several locations as the media office of PFG said they managed to take control of Sidra and Ras Lanuf oil terminals and "are now advancing steadily towards the other oil terminals."

Meanwhile, The Head of the Presidential Council (PC) Fayez Al-Sarraj issued a statement following the attacks saying the PC ordered no military operations to the oil crescent region.

Al-Sarraj condemned the attack and described the attacking forces as "armed group", adding that such an action would lead Libya into a civil war.

"We warn all those involved in the attack on the oil crescent region of tough consequences." Al-Sarraj’s statement reads.