Libya: Fresh clashes rock Zawiya, threatening oil refinery and schools

Heavy clashes broke out on Wednesday, September 24, in the western Libyan city of Zawiya, about 60 km west of Tripoli, between factions affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU).

According to the Libyan News Agency, fighting erupted after the Interior Ministry’s Security Threats Apparatus arrested members of the Al-Kaboutat armed group, which is linked to the Defense Ministry.

The violence left at least one member of the Petroleum Facilities Guard dead and quickly spread into residential areas near the city’s oil refinery, with videos on social media showing medium and heavy weapons being used. Reinforcements were deployed to main roads, including the coastal highway, which was blocked with sand barriers.

The Zawiya Oil Refining Company voiced “deep concern” over the clashes, warning of serious threats to lives and infrastructure, and urged an immediate ceasefire. In response to the escalating violence, the city’s Education Directorate suspended classes in all schools, while local authorities advised residents to remain indoors.

The incident comes after a week of armed confrontations in Janzour and Sorman, underscoring the persistent instability in western Libya amid the country’s ongoing political deadlock between the Tripoli-based GNU and the eastern administration supported by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army.