Military jets have attacked a Greek-operated oil tanker in the Libyan port of Derna, killing two crew members, the Greek authorities have said.

The attack, on Sunday, was carried out by the Libyan air force, a military spokesman was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

Derna has been controlled by Islamist militants for the past two years.

The Libyan military attacked the port several times last year in an attempt to weaken militant groups there.

The military spokesman, Colonel Ahmed Mesmari, said the tanker was "suspicious" and had been targeted because it had failed to submit to an inspection before entering the port.

No leakage

There were 26 crew members on board the ship, Araevo, including nationals from the Philippines, Greece and Romania.

Two were injured in the air attack, in addition to those killed.

The Liberian-flagged tanker is operated by an Athens-based shipping company, Aegean Shipping Enterprises Company, and was carrying 12,600 tonnes of crude oil.

The Greek authorities said the ship was at anchor in the port when it came under attack.

Aegean Shipping said there was no leakage of oil and it was assessing the damage.

There has been no confirmation about the purpose of the ship's visit to the militia-held area.