Security authorities recovered two exploded projectiles Tuesday from a damaged crude oil pipeline serving the Sharara oilfield, according to a statement from the Tripoli-based interior ministry.

The discovery follows a fire that broke out at the pipeline last week, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing Libya’s vital energy infrastructure. 

The ministry identified the recovered munitions as an M-62 Russian-made missile, weighing approximately 250 kilograms (550 pounds), and the remnants of a 130 mm rocket.

Images posted to the ministry’s verified Facebook page showed the charred remains of the projectiles near a section of the damaged pipeline.

"The projectiles were handled according to approved technical and security procedures," the ministry said. "The site was fully secured, and the necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the area and prevent any potential risks."

The damage has caused significant logistical shifts for the National Oil Corporation (NOC). The state-run company was forced to redirect the flow of crude from Sharara through the El Feel pipeline to the Mellitah port, while also utilizing the Hamada pipeline to move oil to storage tanks in Zawiya.

The incident triggered a total shutdown of the El Feel oilfield on Thursday, according to two engineers. One engineer stated that production at El Feel, which typically yields between 80,000 and 90,000 barrels per day (bpd), is expected to resume within seven to 10 days.

Sharara is a cornerstone of Libya's economy, with a production capacity between 300,000 and 320,000 bpd. The field is operated by Akakus Oil Operations, a joint venture between the NOC and a consortium including Repsol, TotalEnergies, OMV, and Equinor.

Since the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s oil output has been plagued by frequent closures due to technical failures and political instability. The Sharara field remains a critical link to the 120,000 bpd Zawiya refinery, located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of the capital.