TRIPOLI: Libya's internationally recognized government on Sunday condemned attempts to shut down operations at the Sharara oil field, describing them as “political blackmail”. In a statement, the government said it would spare no effort to defend the interests of the Libyan people after local protesters partially blocked the field on Saturday. The Sharara field, one of Libya's largest production areas with a capacity of around 300,000 barrels per day, has been a frequent target of local protesters for various political reasons.