Libya’s largest operational oil refinery in Zawiya has temporarily suspended operations following armed clashes near the facility.
The National Oil Corporation(NOC) and the Zawiya Refining Company announced that refinery activities were precautionarily halted as fighting escalated around the oil complex.
As part of emergency measures workers were evacuated from the refinery and adjoining oil port to ensure their safety.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed that all employees are safe and assured that fuel supply operations would continue despite the temporary shutdown.
In a statement the company explained that warning sirens were activated after heavy armed clashes erupted around the refinery in the early hours of last Friday.
According to the statement several projectiles from heavy weapons landed within sections of the oil complex although no major structural damage was immediately recorded.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) added that the clashes later spread to nearby residential communities increasing the risk of further damage to the refinery and surrounding facilities due to continued shelling.