A Libyan security official said Islamic militants seized two oil fields Tuesday, just ahead of more U.N. peace talks.
The official said rebel fighters took over the Bahi and Mabrouk fields after Libyan security forces tasked with guarding the fields retreated.
Oil facilities have been a major prize in the fight for control of Libya between Islamic extremists, who have taken over the capital, Tripoli, and the internationally recognized government, which was forced to flee to the east.
Libya has been plagued by violence and political chaos since longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown and killed in 2011.
The U.N. has struggled to put together a peace deal. Talks are set to resume this week in Morocco.
