Ministry of Defense Monitors Situation of Russian Oil Tanker Approaching the Coast of Zwara

Tripoli, March 24, 2026 (LANA) – The Ministry of Defense announced today, Tuesday, that it is monitoring the situation of the Russian oil tanker that approached the coast of Zwara, as part of national efforts to protect Libyan coasts and ensure the safety of the marine environment.

The Ministry explained that the Coast Guard's Search and Rescue Coordination Center is overseeing the ongoing operation. Specialized teams have reached the tanker, secured it, and tied it down safely, in preparation for towing it to a suitable location, according to a precise technical plan aimed at controlling its position and preventing it from drifting towards the coastline.

The Ministry revealed that it is monitoring this situation directly and around the clock, through full coordination with technical and security authorities, to ensure that the necessary procedures are implemented according to the highest standards adopted in dealing with maritime incidents. A marine tugboat belonging to the oil fields is participating in the operation, providing continuous technical and logistical support, which contributes to expediting the work and ensuring the safe and efficient execution of the recovery plan.

The Ministry of Defense affirmed its continued direct field monitoring of this matter and the mobilization of all available resources to address the situation with the highest levels of readiness and responsibility, thereby preserving the safety of Libyan territorial waters and enhancing the state's ability to respond immediately to such incidents.

=Lana=