Libya's prime minister announces Cabinet reshuffle, warns against buying crude from rebels

TRIPOLI, Libya – Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zidan says he will reshuffle his Cabinet in the coming week as some ministers want to leave their posts over the difficult working conditions in a country beset by heavily armed militias.

Zidan told a news conference Wednesday that the Libyan government is forced to work under threat of violence. Libya remains overrun by militias that formed out of the rebel brigades that toppled dictator Moammar Gadhafi during the country's 2012 civil war.

Zidan also warned foreign companies against sending tankers to pick up oil from ports controlled by a renegade militia in eastern Libya, saying violators will face harsh penalties. The militia has shut down oil terminals for months, demanding more autonomy from the government in Tripoli and a share of oil revenues.