Drone crashes into crude oil tank at Libya’s Zawiya refinery

An unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into a crude oil storage tank at the Zawiya oil refinery in western Libya, causing a leak, according to the Zawiya Oil Refining Company.

The incident occurred at around 3:45 a.m. local time, the company said, Al Wasat reports. 

The drone exploded after striking the tank wall, puncturing two holes and causing crude oil to leak. Company workers managed to contain the incident and stop the leak.

No fire broke out and none of the refinery’s employees were injured, according to the company.

The Zawiya Oil Refining Company expressed concern over the presence of military equipment within the refinery complex, warning that it posed a serious threat to people, property and the environment.

The company called on all parties involved in the conflict to prevent the use of its facilities during armed clashes.

The incident follows clashes between armed groups near the refinery on August 4, which left at least four people dead. The company had advised employees not to report to work at the time due to security concerns.

Zawiya, located west of the capital Tripoli, is one of western Libya’s key centres. It is home to the country’s largest oil refinery and lies along a major route for illegal migration and fuel smuggling.

By Sabina Mammadli