Zawia Refinery Company announced today that at 03:45 a.m. Libya time today, a ‘‘drone collided’’ with its untreated naphtha tank 7-1.
The explosion of the drone upon impact with the tank’s wall created two holes in its wall, which resulted in the leakage of naphtha product from the tank.
Zawiya Refinery Company reassured all citizens that its officials and employees have contained the situation and stopped the leakage. It also confirmed that there have been no fires or injuries to lives at the site.
The company expressed its deep displeasure at the presence of such military equipment on the refinery campus, which it said poses a great and serious risk to the safety of lives, property and the surrounding environment.
Zawia Refinery said its management once again appeals to all parties to distance the company's facilities from all clashes and armed phenomena because of the importance, sensitivity and strategic nature of the refinery, its operations and equipment.
It confirmed that the safety of workers and facilities and the continuity of production operations at the refinery is a top priority, and all responsible parties must take all necessary measures to maintain the safety of the company's facilities and employees, and to reduce any risks that may threaten the security and safety of the refinery and its surroundings.
It is unclear if the drone was armed with an explosive device and who was behind it. Zawia and neighbouring Surman experienced militia clashes last week. It is unclear if this is related.