In a statement, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed that Akakus Oil Operation Company’s headquarters on the airport road in Tripoli has suffered severe damages after mortar shells landed on the building, on the evening of Wednesday March 4, 2020 at around 21:30.

 According to the National Oil Corporation, the shells caused a fire on the upper floor of the building designated for the financial resources archives. The National Safety Authority firefighting teams and the building’s protection team responded to the fire and managed to control it. As these civilian firefighters worked they were targeted with heavy weapons. 

Chairman of NOC’s board of directors, Mustafa Sanalla, commented: “These criminal acts have reached another level by targeting Libyan firefighters. These men risk their lives to help people and preserve property. Fortunately, no one was injured and they managed to control the fire. 

“Targeting our employees, or any civilian, is something that can never be tolerated. We call on all local and international bodies to take serious steps to immediately stop the fighting. This will save the lives of our workers and protect oil facilities, which are the property of the Libyan people.” added the chairman.