On 4 April, forces led by Muhammed Kashlaf aka al-Qasseb reportedly retook control of Zawiyya oil refinery from the West Coast Military District forces under Salahadeen al-Namroush without any violence.
On 5 April, early in the morning, clashes broke out around the Zawiyya refinery between al-Qasseb’s forces and the 103 Battalion (aka the ‘al-Kabwat’ forces or al-Silaa Brigade) led by Othman al-Lahab. Elements from the Anti-Security Threats Apparatus reportedly supported the 103. The clashes expanded to include roads leading to the refinery and residential neighbourhoods in the city, causing extensive damage to homes and shops. Reports indicate that a member of the Anti-Security Threats Apparatus, Atef al-Hadhiri, was killed, and dozens of civilians and fighters were injured.