The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Saddam Haftar was detained at an airport in Naples, Italy, for an hour on last Friday after his name appeared on a common EU database.
According to the report, those close to Haftar said he was questioned by Italian officials in relation to Spanish allegations, but insisted he was never arrested.
The Barcelona-based newspaper Crónica Global has reported that the warrant was issued over the seizure by Spanish police a year ago of military equipment and weapons destined for the United Arab Emirates but allegedly intended to be diverted to eastern Libya.
Sharara oilfield was shut down upon orders by Saddam Haftar, according to sources who spoke to Libya Al-Ahrar TV.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation said on Tuesday it would gradually decrease production at the oilfield, citing protests in the area.
Meanwhile, Fezzan Movement leader Bashir Al-Sheikh confirmed that Saddam Khalifa Haftar was the one who ordered the closure of the Sharara oil field in response to an attempt to arrest him in Italy based on an arrest warrant issued by the Spanish Attorney General.
In a video recording, Al-Sheikh denied any connection by him or the Fezzan Movement to closing the field, stressing that Saddam Haftar issued immediate instructions by phone to close the field.
