Tripoli, November 6 (RHC)-- The major El Sharara oil field in southern Libya has shut down production following its seizure by an armed group. According to the Libyan Oil Ministry sources on Wednesday, El Sharara oil field, which is located in Murzuq Desert, has stopped working following the exchange of fire between the two ethnic minorities of Tuareg and Tabu.

The oil field produced over 200,000 barrels per day before the shutdown, added the unnamed Libyan sources. Over the past 12 months, armed groups have caused the closure of this important oil field twice in an attempt to coerce the Libyan government into succumbing to their demands.

Meanwhile, Libyan medical sources announced that the clashes between the country's army and militias have claimed the lives of at least 400 people over the past three weeks.

Libya has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down arms. The groups are now turning their guns on each other in an attempt to dominate politics and the country's vast oil resources.

Libya's government and elected parliament moved to Tobruk after an armed group from the town of Misrata seized the capital, Tripoli, and most government institutions in August. The new Tripoli rulers have set up a rival parliament and government not recognized by the international community.