In brief
Libyan emergency services are fighting a large blaze at the Zawiya refinery after a drone strike destroyed a fuel tank holding 4.5 million litres of fuel. The incident follows two previous attacks on the same site in the last two days, amplifying fears of escalating conflict in Libya’s volatile region. While no serious injuries have been reported, authorities warn that further attacks could halt operations and threaten regional energy supplies.
Libyan Authorities Battle Huge Blaze at Major Oil Refinery
Libyan emergency services have been battling to contain a huge blaze at a major oil plant after it was targeted by unknown attackers.
The Zawiya refinery, located west of the capital Tripoli, was struck by a drone on Monday evening – the third such attack in two days. A fuel tank holding about 4.5 million litres of oil was hit directly, setting the container alight and causing a massive fire that collapsed the tank.
National Oil Corporation (NOC) officials say they are considering suspending operations if the attacks continue. They called on authorities to investigate the perpetrators.
Emergency crews treated most patients for smoke inhalation, with no serious injuries reported. The refinery is Libya’s largest operational facility and produces 120,000 barrels per day.
These incidents highlight ongoing instability in Libya, which has been split into rival power centres since the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The nation remains divided between an eastern government backed by Khalifa Haftar and a western administration led by Prime Minister Abdulrahman Dbeibah.
