Africa-Press. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has strongly condemned the ongoing armed clashes in the city of Zawiya and its surrounding areas, warning of “serious humanitarian and economic consequences” due to the targeting of strategic infrastructure in the country, coinciding with reports of civilian casualties trapped in combat zones.
The mission stated in an official statement that the use of heavy weapons and indiscriminate gunfire in densely populated residential neighborhoods is “unacceptable,” expressing deep concern over the transformation of civilian facilities near the “Zawiya Refinery” into battlefields.
It called on all parties to immediately cease these practices, considering the conversion of civilian infrastructure into combat zones a serious violation that endangers strategic facilities.
The mission also urged Libyan authorities to assume their responsibilities in protecting civilians and infrastructure, and to adhere to international humanitarian law and human rights law. It demanded prompt and credible investigations into violations affecting civilians and ensured full legal accountability.
The mission praised the efforts of several leaders and security entities to de-escalate tensions and contain the situation, reaffirming its readiness to continue supporting Libyan efforts aimed at restoring calm, protecting civilians, and safeguarding national resources.
Since early Friday, the city has witnessed heavy clashes between rival armed groups competing for influence, concentrated near the Zawiya oil refinery (50 km west of the capital, Tripoli), without specifying the identities of the parties involved.
The “Brega” oil marketing company reported that the kerosene tank designated for aviation at the Zawiya depot was directly hit by two shells, causing significant damage to its walls and spilling large quantities of fuel, while urgent calls were made to evacuate 23 families from the surrounding areas of the oil complex.
These developments come amid a complex political crisis in Libya, with two competing governments: one in the east led by Osama Hamad appointed by the House of Representatives, and the other in the west led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who refuses to relinquish power except through elections. Presidential elections were scheduled for December 24, 2021, but political disagreements and disputes over the electoral law prevented their completion.
