Armed clashes and exchanges of fire broke out in the city of Zawia overnight, intensifying rapidly as the morning went on. The city clashes included in the early hours of this morning the areas near the Zawia Oil Refinery complex. No injuries or deaths have been officially reported at the time of publication.
Zawia Refinery reported that these clashes have so far resulted in the fall of many heavy calibre shells in several locations within its compound, reached the operating areas. This, it added, necessitated in taking urgent emergency measures to shut down the refinery completely and evacuate the port from the tankers in order to preserve the safety of the lives of users and facilities and preserve the surrounding environment.
Libyan Red Crescent branch in Zawiya
Meanwhile, the Libyan Red Crescent branch in Zawiya reported that it had received numerous distress calls from citizens due to the armed clashes taking place in the city.
It said a state of anxiety and panic is spreading among citizens due to the tense situation and the sounds of clashes.
Zawia Security Directorate
The Zawia Security Directorate, representing the Tripoli based Libyan government of Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, said it had launched a large-scale security operation against hideouts of outlaws, in coordination with security agencies and based on orders from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
It called on citizens to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious movements or locations used as hideouts by wanted individuals.
It warned wanted individuals and outlaws against resisting the forces tasked with carrying out the operation. Anyone who surrenders voluntarily will be dealt with according to applicable legal procedures, it added.
Zawia – a polarised city
Sadly, militia clashes in the beleaguered city of Zawia have now become routine. It will be recalled that the city of Zawia is politically a very polarised city with some strong support for Khalifa Hafter. This polarisation has led to a political and security vacuum which is exploited by tribes, militias and armed gangs involved in the illicit trade of arms, drugs and illegal migrants.
It will also be recalled that there were militia clashes reported in the city in December when the main coastal road was briefly closed and again in September 2025 in the city when the refinery was again forced to shut down.
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