Zawiya Attack Triggers Major Power Outage

An attack on the South Zawiya substation caused a total blackout and cut power to vast areas south of Zawiya, the General Electricity Company of Libya announced Wednesday.

Following the incident, American firm GE suspended operations at the Zawiya power plant and evacuated its technical staff until security improved.

The ongoing disruption leaves over 700 megawatts of the facility’s 1,300-megawatt capacity offline.

The power plant attack follows explosive drone strikes targeting fuel storage tanks at the neighbouring Zawiya oil complex, home to Libya’s largest operating refinery.

Zawiya attack triggers major power outage (News Central TV) — Zawiya attack triggers major power outage. Credit: Reuters

The escalation in Zawiya continues to destabilise the OPEC nation’s energy sector, prompting the National Oil Corporation to warn that persistent drone strikes on local infrastructure could force a declaration of force majeure.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.