Security

Basra tanker attack marks deepening crisis for Iraq oil sector

Iraq is facing a widening array of security threats and economic consequences from the Iran war.

Iraqi ports director Farhan al-Fartousi (right) conducts an inspection on March 12, 2026, of the site of an Iranian attack on oil tankers the previous night. (Photo credit: General Company for Ports of Iraq)

Jan 21, 2020

Protests force Nassiriya oil field offline again

For the second time in less than a month, protesters in southern Iraq have impeded staff from accessing the 80,000 bpd oil field.

Jan 20, 2020

Protests around Ahdab threaten production

Ahdab field still producing, officials say, though protesters using road and checkpoint blockages could create logistical obstacles that could shut in fields.

Jan 15, 2020

Oil workers injured in shootout near Halfaya

A tribal dispute over contracts burst into violence, with field employees caught in the crossfire.

Jan 9, 2020

Iraq-U.S. tensions endanger counter-insurgency fight

Many Iraqi commanders fighting an ongoing IS insurgency say a prospective U.S. military withdrawal would deprive them of crucial training and capabilities.

Jan 3, 2020

Iraqi oil sector holds fast amid storm of U.S.-Iran conflict

Production and exports so far unaffected as some foreign oil workers evacuate, following the U.S. assassination of Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Mohandis.

Dec 30, 2019

Nassiriya field back online after protest-related outage

The Nassiriya oil field and Dhi Qar refinery are operating again after the Oil Ministry took them offline temporarily to de-escalate protests.

Dec 29, 2019

Nassiriya oil field shut in as protests block staff access

Oil Ministry takes an 82,000 bpd field offline as de-escalation tactic in response to protests; overall production and exports unlikely to be affected nationwide.

Dec 25, 2019

Islamic State suspected of oil field attack Tuesday near Kirkuk

The killing of an oil facilities policeman at a Khabbaz well comes as insurgent attacks are on the upswing.

Dec 6, 2019

IS steps up nighttime assaults near Diyala oil fields

Thousands of Islamic State militants are believed to be in the area, exploiting security gaps.

Nov 17, 2019

As protesters call for general strike, oil disruptions loom

Protesters are confronting an unbridgeable gap between their demands and the government's action. Their rising frustration poses increasing risks to the oil sector.