(Ecofin Agency) - In Eastern Libya, workers from three oil fields have been withdrawn due to threats of attacks by the Islamic State militants. Oil and security officials in the country have said that since the fields are shut, production has not been affected.

Libyan oil fields and terminals in recent months, have been a scene of attacks by this militants. Facilities were damaged but so far they have not been able to control oil fields in the country, but officials are concern that it could occur in the future including existing material and human damage.

According to an oil official based in eastern Libya, Mohamed al-Manfi, the Wafa field had been totally emptied while the Tibesti and Bayda fields were partly emptied following warnings of possible attacks by security forces.

At the beginning of April, five members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard died in an attack by supposed Islamic State militants close to the Bayda field, approximately 250 km south of Es Sider and Ras Lanuf.

Libya's oil production have reduced in recent years due to labour clashes, militant attacks and fights between local communities and armed groups.

The country’s output is currently below one fifth of the 1.6 million bpd it was producing before the Muammar Gaddafi uprising in 2011, Reuters reports.

Anita Fatunji