In brief
Libyan emergency services fought a towering blaze at the country's largest refinery after a drone hit a fuel tank. The Zawiya plant, producing 120,000 barrels daily, collapsed partially, causing a high‑temperature fire. Authorities reported no serious injuries, though smoke inhalation affected several residents. The National Oil Corporation warned it could suspend operations if further attacks occur. The incident underscores ongoing instability that split Libya into eastern and western factions.
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 Tripoli, suffered a drone strike on Monday evening that shattered a fuel tank holding roughly 4.5 million litres. The impact triggered a massive fire and led to the collapse of part of the structure.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) stated that it could suspend operations if attacks continue, underscoring how the refinery’s 120,000‑barrel‑per‑day output is critical for Libya’s economy.
While there were no serious injuries, several people were treated for smoke inhalation by Libya’s ambulance and emergency service teams.
This incident marks the third drone strike on the refinery in two days and follows attacks on a naphtha reservoir and a water desalination plant. The NOC has called for an investigation into who is behind the violence.
The attacks lay bare the enduring instability that kept Libya divided since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. Rival power bases, one in the east led by Khalifa Haftar and one in the west under Prime Minister Abdulrahman Dbeibah, continue to vie for control.
