Libya's Zawiya refinery faces shutdown threat after drone attacks

In Libya, firefighters are currently battling a significant fire at the Zawiya refinery, which erupted following a drone attack on August 10, 2026. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported that the fire originated from tank number 402-T, owned by the Brega Oil Company, which contained approximately 4.5 million liters of gasoline. The attack resulted in a severe blaze that led to the tank's complete collapse. Fortunately, the Ambulance and Emergency Service confirmed that there were no serious injuries, with most patients treated for smoke inhalation. However, the NOC has declared a maximum emergency in the region and is urging authorities to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

The drone attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Libya, where rival factions and armed groups continue to exert influence despite a ceasefire established in 2020. The country has been in turmoil since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to a split in governance. Currently, two governments are vying for power: the United Nations-recognized administration in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and a rival government in the east supported by military commander Khalifa Haftar.

In response to the attacks, Dbeibah convened a meeting with key officials, including the interior minister and leaders of armed groups, to address the latest security developments. He emphasized the importance of taking decisive action against any threats to security or vital infrastructure. The Libyan parliamentary panel also condemned the drone attack, calling for enhanced protection of oil facilities, which are crucial to the national economy.

The NOC has expressed concerns about the safety of oil facilities, stating that they are vital infrastructure owned by all Libyans. The ongoing sabotage attacks on the Zawiya refinery and other oil installations underscore the precarious security situation in Libya, where the struggle for power continues to pose risks to the country's economic stability and the safety of its citizens.