Zawiya, Libya (Running Africa) — Emergency crews are battling a massive fire at Libya‘s Zawiya oil refinery, the country’s largest operating refinery, after a drone strike hit a fuel storage tank on Monday evening.

The attack ignited a major blaze and caused a storage tank containing approximately 4.5 million liters of fuel to collapse, raising fresh concerns over the security of Libya’s critical energy infrastructure.

Authorities reported no serious injuries, although several people were treated for smoke inhalation as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

Fuel Tank Collapses After Drone Attack

The fire erupted after a drone struck a fuel storage tank at the Zawiya refinery, located west of Tripoli.

The impact set the tank ablaze before it eventually collapsed, sending thick smoke over the facility and prompting an emergency response.

Despite the scale of the fire, officials said there were no reported fatalities or serious injuries.

Authorities have not identified who was responsible for the drone strike, and an investigation into the attack is expected.

Libya’s Largest Operating Refinery Faces Growing Threat

The Zawiya refinery is a critical part of Libya’s oil and energy infrastructure, with a production capacity of approximately 120,000 barrels per day.

Its strategic importance makes any disruption at the facility a potential concern for domestic fuel supplies and the wider Libyan energy sector, which remains one of the country’s most important sources of revenue.

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) warned that continued attacks could force operations at the refinery to be suspended.

Third Drone Attack in Two Days

According to the NOC, Monday’s strike was the third drone attack targeting facilities in the area in just two days.

Previous attacks reportedly targeted a naphtha reservoir and a desalination plant, raising concerns that critical infrastructure around Zawiya is being deliberately targeted.

The state oil company called for an investigation to identify those responsible and warned of potentially serious consequences if the attacks continue.

Drone Strikes Highlight Libya’s Continuing Instability

The latest attacks underscore the persistent security challenges facing Libya, more than a decade after the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

Years of political turmoil have left the North African country divided between rival administrations and competing armed groups, with authorities in the east and west continuing to struggle for influence.

Libya’s oil facilities have repeatedly been affected by political disputes, armed confrontations and security disruptions, making the protection of energy infrastructure critical to the country’s economic stability.

As emergency crews work to contain the Zawiya refinery fire, the latest drone strikes are likely to renew concerns over the vulnerability of Libya’s oil industry and the wider consequences of the country’s prolonged political and security crisis.