The United States is warning of consequences related to any unauthorized sales of oil that militia members have loaded onto a North Korean-flagged tanker in a Libyan port.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement late Sunday that the oil belongs to Libya's national oil company and its partners, which include U.S. companies. She said those who buy stolen oil could face civil action and sanctions.
Libya has banned militias from selling crude oil directly to the world market.
The Libyan navy and pro-government militias sent boats Sunday to prevent the tanker from leaving the port, which is controlled by a rival militia.
Libya's culture minister and government spokesman Habib Al-Amin said every effort is being taken to stop the tanker, and that a military strike is possible if it does not follow government orders.