Libya Launches Major Security Operation in Zawiya After Clashes Near Key Oil Refinery

In Zawiya, a city known for housing one of Libya's largest oil refineries, security forces have launched a significant operation following intense clashes that erupted among rival gangs. These gangs are reportedly fighting over the lucrative trafficking of fuel and commercial goods into neighboring Tunisia. The clashes have raised serious concerns about public safety and the stability of the region, prompting the authorities to take decisive action. The Zawiya Security Directorate, along with the Joint Security Room, announced that the operation was initiated based on warrants issued by the prosecutor's office. This operation includes raids, arrests, and searches targeting individuals involved in criminal activities such as murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. The situation escalated quickly, with heavy weaponry being used and gunfire echoing throughout the city, causing panic among residents. Local sources indicate that the fighting began before dawn and continued sporadically throughout the day, with the refinery area being a focal point of the violence. The Emergency Medicine and Support Centre has advised citizens to remain indoors and only venture out if absolutely necessary, highlighting the severity of the situation. In a related development, the National Oil Corporation and the Zawiya Oil Refining Company have temporarily halted operations at the refinery as a precautionary measure. This decision was made after shells landed in operational areas, prompting the evacuation of workers and the clearing of the port of tankers. Despite the shutdown, fuel supplies to the capital, Tripoli, remain unaffected, indicating that the authorities are managing the crisis effectively. The refinery's closure underscores the delicate balance between maintaining security and ensuring the continuity of essential services in the region.