Zawiya, one of the most important cities in western Libya, has historically been marginalised by successive governments that limited its development and infrastructure projects owing to its conflictive nature.
Authorities have previously warned against the use of unmanned aircraft by the Government of National Unity in military operations within the city. It is not ruled out that the government is behind drone use to attack oil facilities as preparation for a military operation in Zawiya, while external actors are considered unlikely to be involved in these attacks.
The Ministry of Defence has handled the Zawiya file in an unprofessional manner and has not managed the security situation as required, according to observers. The solution must come through coordination between local security leaders and a unified effort to contain tensions, authorities said.
The Government of National Unity's efforts with military leaders to calm the situation in Zawiya are temporary and aimed at buying time, sources said. However, there are advances in communications between military commanders to contain security tensions, according to reports. The city's military leaders have lost confidence in the Government of National Unity.
Authorities involved in peace efforts said that progress in understandings between military leaders points towards establishing new security arrangements within the city that would contribute to stabilising the situation and preventing further escalation. Development programmes and investment in projects should be prioritised over armed confrontation, they added.