Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, in his first comments about the attacks, vowed a firm response will be taken against Zawia’s armed drone perpetrators.
Here is his statement in full:
‘‘Targeting oil and industrial facilities with drones is a grave crime and an escalation that will not go unanswered; it poses a direct threat to the lives of citizens and workers, as well as to vital facilities that are integral to the nation's security, economy, and resources.
We state clearly that whoever targeted the Libyan people's assets has crossed a line that cannot be tolerated.
The use of drones to strike vital facilities is not an isolated incident, but a dangerous, organized act demanding a firm response to protect the state and its institutions and to prevent any recurrence.
Competent authorities have launched investigations to identify the source of the drones used in the attack and to expose everyone who planned, ordered, executed, or participated in it.
We state clearly: we will reach those responsible for this assault, and accountability will be firm; no one’s title, position, or influence will shield them. We will not allow any party to believe that targeting vital facilities can happen without consequence.
Since the fire broke out yesterday in tank T402 at the industrial zone in Zawia, we have closely monitored developments. We directed the relevant authorities to heighten their response and address the fire and its aftermath, prioritising the protection of lives and preventing the blaze from spreading to other facilities.
I reassure our people in Zawia that the fire has been fully extinguished, while specialised teams continue cooling, securing, and technically monitoring the site to ensure its stability and safety. In parallel, operations have resumed at the Zawia Oil Depot, ensuring the continued supply of fuel to distribution companies and the steady delivery of petrol to service stations. Operational supplies to the power plant are also being maintained to ensure supply stability and spare citizens the consequences of this attack.
I commend the firefighting and safety teams, as well as the engineers, technicians, and workers who responded immediately. They worked under difficult and hazardous conditions to contain the fire, prevent its spread, and protect lives and facilities.
Protecting the lives and assets of the Libyan people is non-negotiable. Those who attack them will face a state that understands its responsibilities, possesses the necessary means, and will not hesitate to use them.
May God protect Libya, its people, and its assets from all harm’’.