Internet/Hyderabad, Aug 11 (Maxim News) A major fire broke out at Libya’s Zawiya oil refinery after an unknown attacker targeted the facility with a drone.
The strike hit the refinery west of Tripoli on Monday evening. It marked the third reported attack in the area within two days.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation said a fuel tank took a direct hit. The tank contained about 4.5 million litres of fuel before the strike.
The impact triggered a major fire and caused the tank to collapse. Emergency teams have been working to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.
Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Service said there were no serious injuries. Most people who received treatment suffered from smoke inhalation.
The National Oil Corporation warned that it could suspend refinery operations if the attacks continue. It also called for an investigation to identify those behind the attacks.
Drone attacks raise fresh fears over Libya stability
The Zawiya refinery remains Libya’s largest operational oil refinery. It has a production capacity of about 120,000 barrels per day.
The latest strike followed two other attacks in Zawiya. The NOC said drones previously targeted a naphtha reservoir and a water desalination plant.
The repeated attacks have raised fresh concerns about security around Libya’s critical energy infrastructure. The country relies heavily on its oil sector for economic activity and government revenue.
The attacks also highlight Libya’s continuing political and security divisions. The country has struggled with instability since the fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Gaddafi seized power in 1969 and ruled Libya for more than four decades. A rebellion later removed him from power in 2011, and he was subsequently killed.
Since then, rival political and military groups have competed for control. Eastern Libya remains influenced by military commander Khalifa Haftar and his allies.
Meanwhile, the internationally recognised authorities in Tripoli have continued to exercise influence in western Libya. Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah leads the western based administration.
The continuing rivalry has repeatedly complicated efforts to establish lasting political stability. It has also created security risks around strategic infrastructure.
The latest refinery attack could therefore add pressure on authorities to strengthen protection around oil facilities. For now, emergency teams remain focused on controlling the fire and limiting further damage.
The NOC has not identified those responsible for the drone strike. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident and determine whether further attacks are planned.(Maxim News)
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