Libya enters a new cycle of intense instability, as within a period of just 24 hours, developments were recorded that simultaneously touch the security, energy infrastructure, and financial system of the country.
Specifically, a bombing attack in Benghazi cost the life of a top military commander of the forces of Khalifa Haftar, while successive drone strikes caused a severe fire at the refinery of Zawiya, the most important active oil refining facility in Libya. At the same time, the surprise resignation of the governor of the Central Bank of Libya came to add another piece to the scene of turmoil, at a time when the country remains deeply divided between the government in Tripoli and the eastern administration backed by the forces of Haftar.
The assassination of Mansouri
Fawzi al-Mansouri, head of military intelligence for the forces controlling eastern Libya, was leaving a mosque on Monday night when an explosive device placed in his vehicle exploded, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced on Tuesday. Khaled Haftar, son of LNA commander Khalifa Haftar, who controls eastern Libya, stated that authorities have launched an investigation, adding that «indications point to a despicable terrorist tactic». «Terrorism is a plan that targets the entire region and not just Libya», the statement further noted.
Currently, no organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Hamish Kinnear, principal Middle East and North Africa analyst at the risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft, told Middle East Eye that «it serves as a reminder that the security situation in eastern Libya remains fragile, despite the dominance of Khalifa Haftar's LNA».
The assassination also poses a challenge to the Haftar family's efforts to present eastern Libya as a stable region after years of conflict. The LNA stated that «it will not stop fighting terrorism and will continue our struggle for the stability and security of Libya, as well as for the unification of its institutions».
The assassination occurred while emergency crews were battling a large fire at the Zawiya oil refinery, west of Tripoli, following a drone attack on Monday night. It was the third strike against the facility in two days.
The «strike» at Zawiya
The National Oil Corporation of Libya announced that a drone directly hit a tank containing approximately 4.5 million liters of fuel. The resulting fire led to the collapse of the tank, while the company warned that further attacks could force it to suspend operations.
Emergency services reported no serious injuries, although rescuers and doctors had to treat several individuals for smoke inhalation. Zawiya has the largest active refinery in Libya, with a processing capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil daily.
«No organization has claimed responsibility for the drone attacks, but they occurred amidst armed conflict between rival militias in Zawiya and are likely intended to exert pressure on the Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibah», Kinnear stated.
The central banker's resignation
The turmoil further intensified after the spread on social media and local news outlets of a letter attributed to the central bank governor, Naji Issa.
The letter, addressed to the heads of the Parliament and the High Council of State, stated that Issa would not remain in his position. He refused to explain his decision, citing the «sensitivity» of the reasons behind it.
«The drone attacks against oil infrastructure in Zawiya, the car bomb assassination in Benghazi, and the resignation of one of Libya's top officials [within a 24-hour period] underline how quickly the already fragile political and security situation in the country can deteriorate», Kinnear stated.
Protests
The hydrocarbon-rich country produces more than 1.3 million barrels of oil daily, yet continues to face prolonged power outages. Power cuts have sparked protests in Tripoli, Zawiya, Misrata, and other cities, where demonstrators demand reliable electricity and demand the resignation of Dbeibah.
«Libya's energy infrastructure is often targeted during these conflicts, as it represents the easiest way to exert pressure on political leaders and demand concessions», Kinnear stated.
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