Drone Attacks on Libyan Power Grid Worsen as Substation Burns

A drone strike in the western Libyan city of Zawiya has completely destroyed a key power substation, triggering blackouts in the southern parts of the city. The state-run General Electricity Company confirmed the facility, which connects power plants to homes and businesses, was burned down in the attack on Wednesday.

Zawiya, a city of roughly 250,000 people located about 47 kilometers west of Tripoli, has been hit by a series of drone strikes targeting its critical energy infrastructure. This latest incident follows attacks on the city's oil refinery and power plant, which have been struck repeatedly over the past week. Footage released by the electricity company showed large flames and fireballs erupting from the substation.

The attacks have drawn strong condemnation from Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, the prime minister of Libya's western-based government. He described the strikes on energy installations as a serious crime and an escalation that will not go unanswered, vowing firm accountability for those responsible.

The violence comes amid heightened tensions between the western government and Mohamed Bahroun, a warlord who controls Zawiya. The country remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west, each backed by different armed groups and foreign powers.

The security situation has also forced the U.S. company General Electric to withdraw its teams from the Zawiya power plant, citing the need for a safe working environment. This is not the first time the company has pulled its staff due to security concerns, and the move is expected to prolong the loss of over 700 megawatts of the plant's 1,300-megawatt capacity.

The escalation occurred as Turkey's Foreign Minister visited Tripoli for talks with Libyan officials. Turkey is a key backer of the western government but has recently sought to improve ties with the eastern administration as part of broader efforts to unify the country. Libya has been mired in conflict since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.