Libya: Massive Fireball After Fuel Tank hit in Drone Attack Wave (Video)
Last update: August 13, 2026
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A 4.5 million-litre fireball, thick black smoke over Tripoli doorstep, and a warning that Libya fuel lifeline could be switched off.
What happened in Zawiya? On the evening of Monday, August 10 2026, as reported by cbinews.tv, a massive fireball erupted from a fuel tank at Zawiya refinery. Tank completely engulfed in dense smoke over the refinery and nearby neighbourhoods.
Libya National Oil Corporation NOC said tank number 402 T belonging to Brega Oil Marketing Company was directly targeted. Tank held about 4.5 million litres of gasoline, about 1.2 million gallons. Brega, owned by NOC, handles fuel supply.
Residents near the complex evacuated as emergency crews battled the fire. Authorities warned of heavy smoke danger. Libya Ambulance and Emergency Service said no serious injuries; most cases were smoke inhalation.
Not a one-off. Latest in string of attacks on vital infrastructure around Zawiya. NOC said another tank, a naphtha reservoir, was hit by a drone on Saturday. Desalination facility in city also targeted on Sunday. Hours later, NOC said refinery was still under sabotage attacks, with a drone targeting an oil blending and filling plant operated by Zawiya Oil Refining Company, falling near the main oil tank and pipeline network.
NOC warned continued attacks could force declaration of force majeure and full suspension of operations. No group claimed responsibility.
Why now? Attacks follow days of violent clashes between rival armed groups in western Libya, including the Anti-Security Threats Apparatus and 103rd Infantry Battalion. At least four were killed and 10 wounded last week.
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh held a security meeting stressing the need to deal firmly with violations that threaten security or harm vital facilities and infrastructure.
Built in two stages 1974 and 1976, it is Libya largest functioning refinery, about 40 km west of Tripoli, capacity 120,000 barrels per day. With Ras Lanuf out of operation, it is currently the only refinery supplying the local market.
Linked to giant Sharara oilfield producing about 300,000 barrels per day. Strategic prize and recurring flashpoint.
City has seen repeated clashes that forced closure of coastal road to Tunisian border and previous refinery shutdowns.
Unrest since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. Since 2014, the country split into two rival administrations, one in Tripoli in the west and one in the east.
It remains split between the UN-recognised Government of National Unity led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah in Tripoli and a parallel administration in Benghazi backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar.
With competing armed groups holding influence, vital facilities like Zawiya are caught in the middle. When Zawiya burns, Tripoli feels it.
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