Libya's eastern-based army on Wednesday demanded the state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) to lift the force majeure on Sharara oil field, a few hours after the army took over the field.

"The General Command of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces announces completion of securing Sharara oil field in the Muruk-Ubari basin, and calls upon the NOC to announce the lifting of the status of force majeure declared earlier due of the control of armed groups on the field," the army's information department said in a statement.

"The General Command of the army confirms it will continue combating terrorism in the country, as well as securing the borders and the Libyan people's livelihood," the statement said.

In December last year, the NOC declared force majeure in Sharara oil field, following forced closure of the field by an armed group.

The army announced earlier on Wednesday taking over the oil field, which is located some 900 km south of the capital Tripoli and has the capability of producing over 300,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

The oil field has been shut down repeatedly in the past due to armed attacks and protests, causing loss of millions of U.S. dollars.

The army, led by General Khalifa Haftar, has been launching a military campaign against terrorism and crime in the south since mid-January.

The army is allied with the eastern-based government, as the country is politically divided between two governments in the east and the west, both competing for legitimacy.

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