Libya's largest oil refinery halts operations during fighting

"Libya's largest operational oil refinery at Zawiya has been shut down and an emergency declared following fighting between armed groups nearby. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) and Zawiya Refining Company announced a precautionary halt to operations and evacuated employees from the oil complex and port. NOC confirmed the safety of all employees and added that fuel supplies would continue as normal."

"A Facebook statement said alarm sirens were activated following armed clashes involving heavy weapons that erupted around the oil complex in the early hours of Friday. These clashes resulted in several heavy weapons projectiles landing in various locations within the oil complex, adding that no significant damage had been reported. However, the clashes have intensified and reached the residential area adjacent to the refinery, making the area a direct target for heavy shelling and significantly increasing the risk of further damage."

"Authorities in Zawiya, west of the capital Tripoli, said they had launched a large-scale operation against criminal groups, as fighting and explosions were heard, the AFP news agency reported. The operation targeted criminal hideouts and wanted individuals who were involved in serious acts, the authorities said, citing murder and attempted murder, kidnapping and extortion, drug, arms and human trafficking and illegal migration."

"The Zawiya Refining Company called on all parties to cease fire immediately and for the Libyan authorities to intervene to protect lives and key facilities. The refinery, around 40km (25 miles) west of Tripoli, has a capacity of 120,000 barrels per day. Videos verified by Al Jazeera showed explosions and gunfire, as well as damage to several cars and facilities inside the refinery. The sound of sirens was audible after shells fell inside operational sites."

Zawiya refinery, Libya’s largest operational oil facility, was shut down on a precautionary basis after armed clashes and explosions occurred nearby. The National Oil Corporation and Zawiya Refining Company evacuated employees from the oil complex and port and declared an emergency. Alarm sirens were activated after heavy weapons projectiles landed in multiple locations within the refinery, with no significant damage initially reported. Fighting intensified and reached the adjacent residential area, increasing the risk of further shelling and damage. Local authorities launched a large-scale operation targeting criminal groups and wanted individuals linked to serious crimes. Verified videos showed explosions, gunfire, and damage to cars and facilities inside the refinery. The company urged all parties to cease fire and called for authorities to protect lives and key infrastructure, while fuel supplies were said to continue normally.

Read at www.aljazeera.com