Libya's western region faces intensifying anti‑government protests and energy disruptions

Daily anti‑government demonstrations have erupted across western Libya, especially in Tripoli and Misrata, targeting Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s administration over severe power outages, water shortages and soaring unemployment. Protesters disrupted natural‑gas supplies at the Melitah plant and temporarily forced a 50% cut in output at the El‑Feel oil complex, which normally produces up to 90,000 barrels per day. National Oil Corporation President Masoud Suleiman said operations were quickly restored.

The unrest has turned violent, with demonstrators storming ministries of Foreign Affairs and Youth, seizing key road arteries and clashing with security forces. Local armed groups have joined the protests, further weakening the government's control and raising concerns about broader instability in the OPEC‑member nation.