Libya's National Oil Corporation warns of possible shutdown at Zawiya refinery after repeated drone attacks

Libya’s National Oil Corporation has warned it may declare force majeure and completely halt operations at the Zawiya refinery if attacks targeting oil facilities and assets in the area persist.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the corporation said oil assets in Zawiya continue to face sabotage attacks using remotely piloted drones.

It explained that in the latest incident, a drone targeted the oil blending and packaging plant operated by the Zawiya Oil Refining Company, with the drone falling near the main oil storage tank and the pipeline network used to produce oils for the local market.

The corporation confirmed this was the third consecutive attack within Sunday and Monday, warning that the repeated assaults pose a serious threat to oil assets in the region and require urgent and precise intervention from the relevant authorities.

The corporation noted that no casualties or material damage were reported in the latest incident, but called on firefighting and safety teams to exercise maximum caution and remain prepared for any developments.

It stressed the need to enhance compliance with safety procedures and prioritize the protection of lives, adding that continued attacks could force its board of directors to take stricter measures, including declaring force majeure and a full shutdown of the Zawiya refinery.