Authorities in western Libya have arrested five people, including foreigners, over a series of alleged drone attacks targeting critical energy infrastructure in the country.
The arrests were announced by Libya’s Tripoli-based government, which said the suspects were allegedly members of a coordinated “sabotage cell” responsible for attacks on major oil facilities and other strategic sites.
According to the authorities, investigations into the group uncovered what the government described as a wider plot targeting vital infrastructure. Officials said the suspects had also allegedly planned attacks against a power station south of Tripoli and other important facilities.
The authorities did not immediately disclose the identities or nationalities of the five people arrested.
The arrests follow a series of incidents involving energy infrastructure in western Libya. In August, a large petrol reservoir at the Zawiya oil complex caught fire following a drone attack, according to Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC).
The Zawiya facility is located about 45 kilometres west of Tripoli and is home to Libya’s second-largest oil refinery, which has a refining capacity of approximately 120,000 barrels per day.
Further drone attacks were subsequently reported at the Zawiya complex, raising concerns about the security of Libya’s vital energy infrastructure.
The NOC also reported that another attempted attack on fuel tanks outside Tripoli was thwarted last Thursday.
The latest arrests have therefore heightened concerns about the security of oil and electricity facilities in a country whose economy depends heavily on its energy sector.
Libya holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, making its petroleum infrastructure particularly important to both the country’s economy and regional energy markets.
However, the country has faced prolonged political and security instability since the 2011 overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Libya remains divided between rival political and military authorities. The internationally recognised administration based in Tripoli is led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, while a rival administration in the east is backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar.
The government has described the recent attacks as part of a coordinated campaign rather than isolated incidents.
Investigations are continuing, with authorities expected to establish the identities of other individuals who may have been involved in planning, financing or supporting the alleged operations.
Officials have not yet provided further details about the suspects or announced specific charges against them.
The arrests come as Libya continues to grapple with security challenges and attempts to protect critical infrastructure from attacks that could further disrupt energy supplies and public services.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses.