Drone attack triggers fire at Libya's largest refinery

A fire broke out at Libya's largest operating refinery following a drone attack, according to the country's Ambulance and Emergency Service. In a statement on Tuesday, the service said there were no "serious injuries" from the fire, with most patients treated for smoke inhalation. Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed huge flames and thick black smoke billowing over the facility, which is located about 40km (25 miles) west of the capital, Tripoli.

The refinery has a refining capacity of 120,000 barrels per day. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) said in a statement on Facebook that the fire broke out on Monday evening at tank number 402-T, belonging to the Brega Oil Company. The tank, which contained about 4.5 million litres (1.2 million gallons) of gasoline, was "directly targeted, resulting in a severe fire before the tank completely collapsed."

The NOC said the attack followed drone strikes on a water desalination plant at the refinery on Sunday and on a naphtha reservoir on Saturday. The company declared a "maximum emergency" in the region and urged authorities to launch an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to Mehr News Agency, the incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Libya, where infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted amid political instability. The NOC's call for an investigation underscores the need for accountability and the protection of critical facilities.