The Government of National Unity (GNU) has issued a strong response to continued attacks against oil and electricity facilities in Zawiyya, raising the prospect of a major GNU operation against the city, before a tentative agreement was struck and tensions cooled again from 13 August.
Late on 11 August, GNU PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba issued a statement warning that targeting oil and industrial facilities with drones is a grave crime and an escalation that will not go unanswered; it poses a direct threat to the lives of citizens and workers, as well as to vital facilities that are integral to the nation’s security, economy, and resources. He stated that ‘whoever targeted the Libyan people’s assets has crossed a line that cannot be tolerated.’ He stressed that the competent authorities have launched investigations to identify the source of the drones used in the attack and to expose everyone who planned, ordered, executed, or participated in it. He added, ‘we will reach those responsible for this assault.’
On 12 August, the GNU Ministry of Defense issued a warning after repeated drone attacks on vital facilities in Zawiyya, condemning the incidents as deliberate, externally‑backed aggression aimed at destabilizing the country, harming the economy, and dragging Libya into chaos. It stressed that anyone involved — whether through execution, planning, financing, incitement, or providing protection — will be held fully accountable, with no tribal or social cover shielding perpetrators from prosecution. The ministry urged tribes and social groups nationwide to withdraw protection from those involved, framing the targeting of national resources as an attack on all Libyans. Declaring the country’s security, wealth, and strategic projects a red line, the ministry warned that its patience is running out and that decisive action will follow if attacks continue. Finally, the statement called on the people of Zawiyya and all Libyans to unite against criminal acts and reject efforts to push the country toward violence and instability.
As of 18 August, there were some reports of renewed clashes on the ground in Zawiyya.