Drone Strike Sparks Major Blaze at Libya's Zawiya Refinery

A large fire erupted at Libya's Zawiya oil

A large fire erupted at Libya's Zawiya oil refinery on Tuesday following a drone attack, raising fears of a full shutdown at the nation's biggest functioning processing facility. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) issued an urgent warning that continued aerial assaults could force it to suspend operations entirely, a move that would deal a severe blow to the country's already fragile energy sector.

Local officials reported that the blaze broke out in the refinery's storage area, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky that were visible from several kilometers away. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to contain the flames, though the extent of damage to critical infrastructure remains unclear. No injuries have been reported so far, but the incident has heightened tensions in the region, which has seen sporadic violence linked to rival armed groups.

The NOC condemned the attack, calling it a

The NOC condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate act of sabotage that threatens Libya's economic stability. Analysts note that the Zawiya refinery, located about 40 kilometers west of Tripoli, is vital for domestic fuel supply and exports, and its prolonged closure could trigger fuel shortages and disrupt global oil markets. The corporation has appealed to authorities to secure the facility and prevent further strikes.

This is not the first time the refinery has come under fire, but the scale of Tuesday's blaze underscores the growing risks facing Libya's energy infrastructure amid political deadlock and militia clashes. International observers have urged all parties to respect the neutrality of oil installations, warning that continued attacks could push the country deeper into economic turmoil. The NOC said it is assessing the damage and will decide on next steps once the situation stabilizes.