Libya dismantles sabotage cell targeting oil, power facilities

TRIPOLI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Unity announced Sunday that it had dismantled an organized sabotage cell and arrested five Libyans and foreigners allegedly involved in suicide drone attacks on oil and electricity facilities in Tripoli and Zawiya in western Libya.

In a statement on the government platform "hokomitna," authorities said the operation, carried out by the Ministry of Defense, also foiled several other plots that were in the planning stages, including one targeting a power station south of Tripoli and others aimed at vital facilities and political, security and military leaders.

It added that investigations were ongoing to identify other individuals involved and the parties that planned, financed, or supported the operations.

The government said it would release further details, including the identities of those involved and their backers, once initial investigations are complete.

The announcement came after weeks of attacks and sabotage targeting oil and electricity facilities across western Libya, which have put increasing pressure on the power grid and public services during the peak summer months. ■