Libya reels from assassination, oil strikes and central bank turmoil

Libya has been struck by a series of devastating events this week, including the assassination of military intelligence chief Fawzi al-Mansouri, drone attacks on key oil infrastructure, and the resignation of the central bank governor. The violence has raised concerns about the stability of Libya’s divided authorities.

On Monday night, an explosive device attached to Mansouri's vehicle detonated as he left a mosque in Benghazi, killing him. The Libyan National Army (LNA) stated that the attack was a "despicable terrorist tactic," though no group has claimed responsibility. Khaled Haftar, son of the LNA commander Khalifa Haftar, said authorities were investigating the incident, noting that it points to a broader terrorist threat to the region.

The assassination has further undermined the Haftar family's attempts to portray eastern Libya as a stable region. In response, the LNA vowed to continue fighting terrorism and securing Libya's institutions.

Meanwhile, a drone attack on Monday evening caused a major fire at Libya's second-largest oil refinery in Zawiya, the country's largest operational refinery. The refinery, which can process 120,000 barrels of oil per day, experienced a tank explosion that collapsed and prompted the National Oil Corporation to warn of potential suspension of operations due to further attacks. Emergency services treated several people for smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries were reported.

Additionally, the resignation of Central Bank of Libya Governor Naji Issa has added to the country's political turmoil. A letter attributed to Issa circulated on social media, stating that he would not remain in his post. The letter's author declined to explain the decision, citing "sensitivity." The resignation comes in the midst of Libya's ongoing electricity crisis, which has triggered protests in several cities demanding reliable power and the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibah.

Overall, the rapid succession of events has highlighted the fragile nature of Libya's political and security situation, despite the dominance of the LNA in the east. Analyst Hamish Kinnear emphasized that the country remains vulnerable to external pressures, particularly through targeted attacks on its energy infrastructure.