• Libya probes pipeline leak, finds Russian-made projectiles near site
• No confirmed link between munitions and fire, investigation ongoing
• Incident disrupts Al-Sharara output, suspends Al-Feel operations

Libyan authorities investigating a crude oil leak on a pipeline connected to the Al-Sharara oilfield have discovered Russian-made projectiles near the site of the incident, the Government of National Unity's Interior Ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said investigators, including demining teams, found "an aerial projectile of the M-62 type" and "fragments of a 130mm rocket" near valve BT-13 on an Al-Sharara pipeline leading to the Zawiya refinery, according to a statement published by the Libyan News Agency (LANA).

No party has been named as responsible. Libyan authorities have not disclosed details on the origin of the projectiles or confirmed a direct link to the fire, as the investigation continues.

Ecofin Agency reported that the investigation follows a leak and subsequent fire on the pipeline connecting the Al-Sharara oilfield — Libya's largest, with output exceeding 300,000 barrels per day — to the Zawiya refinery.

The incident has led to the suspension of operations at the Al-Feel oilfield, which produces 80,000–90,000 barrels per day. Engineers cited by Reuters said the suspension followed the redirection of Al-Feel’s pipeline to carry crude from Al-Sharara.

The incident is the latest in a series of disruptions at Al-Sharara. In August 2017, The Libya Observer reported that armed groups halted production to exert political and economic pressure. In June 2020, Argus Media reported additional stoppages linked to armed incursions at the site. In those instances, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) redirected oil flows to maintain exports, forcing temporary shutdowns at other fields.

According to the French Treasury, hydrocarbons accounted for two-thirds of Libya's GDP and 97% of state revenues, totaling $23.3 billion in 2023.

Abdel-Latif Boureima