By Islam Salah
The Libyan city of Zawiya descended into chaos on Sunday as armed clashes erupted between rival militias. The violence, which unfolded just 47 kilometers west of Tripoli, caused widespread panic, forcing residents into lockdown and igniting fires at the country’s second-largest oil refinery.
The incident highlights the ongoing instability in western Libya, where militias wield significant power amid a divided government.
Armed Groups Clash
The confrontation involved fighters loyal to the Shurafaa tribe and forces led by Mohamed Kushlaf, a warlord sanctioned by the United Nations for human trafficking activities.
Gunfire spread across several parts of Zawiya, including densely populated areas, leaving many families unable to flee their homes. The violence also shut down a major coastal road connecting Zawiya to other cities in western Libya and forced schools to close, further disrupting daily life.
Oil Refinery Under Fire
The clashes caused extensive damage to the Zawiya oil refinery, a critical component of Libya’s energy infrastructure. Bullets struck storage tanks, triggering fires and gas leaks. The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed “severe damage” to the facility and declared a state of emergency.
Firefighters worked under hazardous conditions to extinguish the flames and contain gas leaks while clashes raged on nearby. The NOC invoked force majeure, a legal clause that absolves it from fulfilling contractual obligations due to extraordinary events.
Underlying Instability in Libya
Sunday’s violence is a reminder of Libya’s ongoing turmoil. The country has remained deeply divided since the 2011 civil war that overthrew Moammar Gadhafi.
Rival administrations now control the east and west, with the Tripoli-based government under Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and an eastern administration allied with military commander Khalifa Hifter.
The power vacuum left by Gadhafi’s fall has allowed militias to grow in strength, turning parts of western Libya into battlegrounds. Clashes like those in Zawiya are not uncommon, as armed groups fight for influence, resources, and control over strategic locations like oil facilities.
The Situation Now
While firefighters managed to control the blaze at the Zawiya refinery, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of Libya’s key infrastructure amid ongoing violence. With the country’s oil industry already struggling under years of instability, further disruptions could impact not only Libya but also global energy markets.
For the residents of Zawiya, however, the immediate concern remains their safety. Sunday’s events serve as yet another grim chapter in the city’s ongoing struggles, caught in the crossfire of Libya’s broader conflict.
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