Fifth drone attack hits Libya's Zawiya refinery since Sunday

Libya's National Oil Corporation announced on Tuesday that a drone attack targeted the Zawiya Oil Refinery in western Libya, striking diesel tank No. 4/4 in the fifth such assault on the facility since Sunday. “A drone loaded with explosives struck the roof of diesel tank No. 4/4, piercing it and causing a fire that emergency and safety teams quickly brought under control,” the corporation said.

The fourth attack occurred early Tuesday when another drone targeted diesel tank No. 2/4, igniting a blaze that emergency teams contained before it spread to nearby tanks. No casualties were reported in either strike, according to the corporation.

Operational continuity maintained

The state oil company emphasized that fuel supplies remained unaffected by the violence, with deliveries to gas stations continuing on schedule. “Fuel supplies were not affected and deliveries to gas stations were continuing on schedule and at normal daily quantities,” the NOC said, adding that fuel reserves also remained intact.

The corporation urged residents not to crowd gas stations, stressing that there would be no change in available supplies. Operations would continue at normal capacity despite the security challenges facing the strategic installation.

Violence amid political divisions

Zawiya, located approximately 40 kilometers west of Tripoli, has witnessed sustained attacks on its oil facilities in recent days amid clashes between rival armed groups. Last week, fighting spread to the nearby city of Surman, resulting in casualties and a prison break.

Libya remains divided between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity under Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and a rival administration in Benghazi headed by Osama Hammad. The UN Support Mission in Libya continues efforts to resolve political disputes that have delayed national elections hoped to end years of division since the 2011 overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi.