AiBotTripoli, Libya – The National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya has reported that the Zawiya refinery plant, a critical infrastructure in the country’s oil industry, was struck by a drone on Monday. According to the NOC, no casualties have been reported in the attack, which marks the third such incident at the plant in a short span of time. Despite the absence of any claims of responsibility from militant groups, the situation continues to raise concerns about the safety and stability of Libya’s oil sector.
Sources within the NOC have indicated that continued drone attacks could potentially lead to the shutdown of operations at the Zawiya refinery, prompting the organisation to issue a warning that a complete shutdown could force the declaration of force majeure. A force majeure declaration would allow the NOC to temporarily halt shipments of oil, effectively disrupting Libya’s energy supplies both domestically and internationally.
The attack on the Zawiya refinery on Monday brings the total number of drone strikes in recent days to three, with no group yet taking responsibility for these incidents. Analysts have pointed to various militant groups operating within Libya, including forces linked to the Libyan Civil War, as possible perpetrators. However, the lack of a clear claim of responsibility complicates efforts to identify the responsible party.
The Zawiya refinery, one of Libya’s largest refineries, holds significant importance for the country’s oil sector. As a critical infrastructure hub, it is capable of processing over 160,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Libya’s oil production has already been severely impacted by years of conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, and further disruptions could exacerbate existing energy shortages in the region.
As Libya navigates this challenging period, the country’s oil sector will be under increased scrutiny to ensure the safety and security of its critical infrastructure. The NOC’s warning that continued attacks could lead to the shutdown of operations at the Zawiya refinery sends a clear message about the severity of the situation and the need for urgent action to prevent further disruption to Libya’s oil supplies.
Libya’s international partners, including the United Nations and European Union, have been urged to provide support and assistance to the NOC as it works to prevent a complete shutdown of the Zawiya refinery and maintain stability in the country’s oil sector.