AiBotA mysterious drone strike has caused significant disruption to the power supply in western Libya, as a major substation went up in flames following a devastating attack. The South Zawiya 30/11 kV substation, a critical component of the regional grid, was hit by an unclaimed FPV/suicide drone in the early hours of the morning, resulting in widespread outages.
Local authorities confirmed that the attack occurred at approximately 10:00 AM local time on November 30th, with eyewitnesses describing a massive fire engulfing the substation as power lines and equipment were severely damaged. The fire was eventually brought under control, but not before causing extensive damage to the facility, leaving thousands of residents in the surrounding area without electricity.
The attack is the latest in a series of unexplained drone strikes targeting Zawiya’s critical infrastructure, including the power grid and oil facilities. While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, concerns are growing among local officials and regional experts over the escalating threat to Libya’s energy security.
“We condemn this attack and its impact on the people of Zawiya,” a spokesperson for the Libyan Ministry of Electricity stated, in a statement released to the press. “We will work tirelessly to restore power to affected areas and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
Residents in the affected areas have expressed frustration and concern over the lack of stability in the region. “We are fed up with these constant attacks,” said one resident, who refused to be named. “We need security guarantees to ensure the safety of our communities. The government must take swift action to prevent further attacks and restore our confidence in their ability to protect us.”
Experts warn that Libya’s aging infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks, highlighting the need for urgent investment in maintenance and security upgrades to prevent future outages. The country’s electricity sector has historically struggled with chronic underinvestment, inadequate management, and systemic corruption, exacerbating the impact of these attacks on local communities.
Libya’s National Oil Company has also been targeted in recent months, with the group responsible for several strikes on oil facilities in northern Libya. The attacks have sparked concerns over the potential disruption to Libya’s energy exports, a critical component of the country’s economy.