A demonstration threatens to shut down roads into the West Qurna 1 oil field as protesters, emboldened by a supportive message from Sistani, rail against government failures.

Attacks on Basra oil field and power lines mean promises of jobs and services have yet to settle concerns.

Widespread civil unrest has begun to subside, at least temporarily - leaving key oil sites disrupted but intact.

Unknown assailants alleged to be the self-proclaimed Islamic State killed workers at a pipeline warehouse in Dibis, northwest of Kirkuk.

Iraqi authorities have discovered several small-scale smuggling rackets in and around Basra over the past year.