Outside of northern Iraq’s fortified urban centers, insurgents have prevented resettlement in rural areas and are now causing residents to flee from villages previously considered safe.
Security
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Despite ongoing violence, including a weekend pipeline bombing, the Baiji refinery's resumption of operations marks progress in Iraq's northern oil sector.
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As rioters burned government and political party offices, protesters threatened action against oil facilities.
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The recent killing of a protester fueled renewed anti-government demonstrations in Basra city and around several oil fields, some of which turned deadly.
