Libya investigates drone attacks on Zawiya oil refinery and infrastructure

Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) is actively investigating a series of drone attacks that targeted critical infrastructure in Zawiya, including the local oil refinery, a desalination plant, and a power station. Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeiba denounced the assaults, which began earlier this week, as "grave crimes" that pose a direct threat to the lives of citizens and workers, as well as to vital national assets.

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The attacks will not go unanswered, as they represent a direct threat to the lives of citizens and workers, as well as to vital facilities that represent a part of the country's security, its economy, and the capabilities of its people.

In a statement released via his X account, Dbeiba asserted that the attacks "will not go unanswered." He emphasized that those who attacked Libyans' capabilities "have crossed a line that cannot be allowed." His remarks followed criticism from various authorities and institutions demanding an "urgent" response and investigation from the executive branch to identify those responsible.

The most significant attack occurred on Monday evening, when a drone strike ignited a large fire in a refinery tank holding 5.4 million liters of fuel. Firefighting teams worked for over 12 hours to extinguish the blaze, which necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents due to the risk to their homes. Despite efforts to contain the fire, dozens of residents and workers suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to nearby medical facilities.

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We reaffirm clearly that whoever attacked the capabilities of the Libyans has crossed a line that cannot be allowed.

Prime Minister Dbeiba described the incident as an "organized and dangerous act requiring a firm response to protect the state and its institutions and prevent its recurrence." He confirmed that competent authorities have launched investigations to determine the origin of the drones and identify all individuals involved in planning, ordering, executing, and participating in the attacks, promising firm accountability. Libya remains in a state of heightened alert due to ongoing militia clashes and popular unrest, particularly in the west, where citizens demand an end to the country's prolonged division and crisis.

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Competent authorities have initiated investigations to determine the origin of the drones used in the attack.