The western coastal city of Al-Zawiya witnessed armed clashes late Monday between two rival groups, sparking widespread concern for civilian safety and key infrastructure.
Although the situation was described as “relatively calm” by local sources, military build-ups were reported along the coastal road, which remains open despite the tensions.
The Libyan Red Crescent branch in Al-Zawiya urged residents to remain indoors and avoid windows due to the ongoing violence, calling on citizens to exercise maximum caution.
Meanwhile, the Al-Zawiya Education Directorate suspended classes in schools located along the refinery road westward to the Sabriya intersection, granting headmasters in affected areas the authority to close schools in order to protect students and teachers.
The Al-Zawiya Oil Refining Company issued a statement voicing deep concern over the fighting near its refinery complex, warning of serious risks to lives and property. The company stressed that the clashes pose a direct threat to vital oil installations and urged immediate intervention by security forces to separate armed groups from residential and industrial areas.
“Protecting oil facilities is a shared national responsibility,” the company emphasized, adding that any threat to their safety represents a direct threat to Libya’s national wealth.
The clashes caused road closures and sparked panic among residents, with no official toll yet announced on casualties or material damage. However, fears remain high that the violence could escalate further in the coming hours.
