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Tripoli: A major petrol storage tank at Libya's Zawiya oil refinery, west of Tripoli, caught fire and collapsed on Monday following an alleged drone attack. The tank, run by the state-owned Brega Petroleum Marketing Company, was carrying around 4.5 million litres of petrol when it was hit.
The attack produced heavy black smoke in the sky, prompting Libyan authorities to declare a ‘maximum emergency’ at the facility. Emergency services reported no significant injuries, albeit numerous persons were treated for smoke inhalation.
The event is one of several strikes on the Zawiya oil complex in recent days. Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported three drone strikes against oil infrastructure, including a refinery, fuel facilities, and a neighbouring desalination facility.
The Zawiya refinery is vital for Libya's fuel supply, having a refining capacity of approximately 120,000 barrels per day. The NOC has warned that ongoing attacks may compel it to suspend operations and declare force majeure. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.
