Africa-Press. A state of emergency has been declared at the Zawiya refinery, the largest operational oil refinery in Libya, after violent clashes erupted near the facility located west of the capital, Tripoli, leading to a complete halt of operations and the evacuation of oil tankers from the port.
The Zawiya Oil Refining Company confirmed that heavy shelling targeted several sites within the oil complex, prompting it to implement “immediate emergency measures” that included the complete shutdown of the refinery to ensure the safety of workers and facilities. The refinery has a production capacity of approximately 120,000 barrels per day and is linked to the Sharara oil field, which produces around 300,000 barrels per day, making it one of the most important energy facilities in the country.
The National Oil Corporation reported that several heavy shells fell within the oil complex, with no significant damage recorded so far, while engineering sources confirmed that the evacuation included the removal of all tankers docked at the port. The clashes coincided with the announcement by authorities in the city of Zawiya of a “wide-scale security operation” against armed groups and smuggling networks, which included raids and arrests since the early hours of the morning.
The city, considered one of the main centers for oil and smuggling in western Libya, has witnessed explosions and clashes in residential neighborhoods and around oil facilities, amid calls for residents to stay indoors. Although authorities have confirmed that fuel supplies to Tripoli and surrounding areas have not yet been affected, the incident reflects the fragility of the security situation surrounding Libya’s oil infrastructure amid political division and ongoing armed violence.
