Key Takeaways
- Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant reported being hit by shelling and drones, with an auxiliary facility 1,200 meters from the perimeter attacked, raising significant nuclear safety concerns.
- Libya's Sharara Oilfield, the nation's largest, has achieved its highest output since 2018, reaching 310,970 barrels per day (BPD), a significant boost to the country's oil sector.
- A Ukrainian drone attack sparked a major fire at an oil depot in Sochi, Russia, involving over 120 firefighters and leading to temporary flight suspensions at Sochi Airport.
- Jordan has strongly condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's "storming" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it a "dangerous escalation" and a "rejected provocation."
International tensions are escalating across multiple fronts, marked by a critical incident at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, a surge in Libyan oil production, and continued military activities in Russia and the Middle East.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was struck by shelling and drones starting at 9 AM, coinciding with military activity heard by the IAEA team on site. An auxiliary facility located approximately 1,200 meters from the plant's perimeter was reportedly attacked, with smoke still visible in the afternoon. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi urged "maximum military restraint" near nuclear facilities to prevent a nuclear accident.
In the energy sector, Libya's Sharara Oilfield, the country's largest, has reached its highest production level since 2018, with an output of 310,970 BPD. This milestone, announced by Akakus Oil Operations, signifies a notable boost for Libya's oil production capacity.
Meanwhile, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to impact infrastructure. A Ukrainian drone attack caused a significant fire at an oil depot in Sochi, Russia, with a fuel tank of 2,000 cubic meters (70,000 cubic feet) catching fire. Over 120 firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze, and flights at Sochi Airport were temporarily suspended for air safety. Russia's Ministry of Defense also reported the overnight destruction of 93 Ukrainian drones by air defense units across various regions, including one over the Krasnodar region and 60 over the Black Sea. Ukraine's military has claimed drone strikes on several Russian oil refineries and military-linked infrastructure.
In the Middle East, Jordan has vehemently condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's "storming" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Jordan's Foreign Ministry stated that such actions are a "dangerous escalation" and an "unacceptable provocation" that do not negate East Jerusalem's status as an occupied city. This incident comes amid ongoing regional tensions, including an Israeli military raid in southern Syria. The Israeli military stated it carried out a raid on targets in southern Syria, seizing weapons and questioning suspected arms dealers in the town of Hader. Syria's Defense Ministry also reported an "irresponsible" attack by Syrian Democratic Forces in the northern city of Manbij, injuring 4 army personnel and 3 civilians.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.