Security

Kurdistan refinery protests spark deadly violence

At least one person is dead and several injured after security forces cracked down on unemployed truck drivers demanding work at the Lanaz refinery near Erbil.

A truck prepares to load at the Lanaz oil refinery on the Gwer road west or Erbil, March 31, 2015 (PATRICK OSGOOD/Iraq Oil Report)

May 18, 2019

U.S. warnings spur Exxon evacuation of expats

Production is unaffected and the security situation appears calm as ExxonMobil evacuates dozens of foreign staff from the West Qurna 1 field, following U.S. claims of threats from Iran.

May 16, 2019

Iraqi oil industry calm amidst U.S. warnings on Iran

As the U.S. evacuates diplomatic personnel, citing threats from Iran, Iraq's oil sector and its IOC partners maintain status quo.

Apr 11, 2019

Hadi al-Amiri appointed “czar” of Basra

The prime minister has tapped Amiri - the paramilitary commander-turned-political maverick - to coordinate an array of urgent initiatives in Iraq's oil capital.

Apr 10, 2019

Q&A: Ihsan Ismaael, Basra Oil Company director general

Basra's oil chief discusses efforts to protect Majnoon from flooding, plans for developing new capacity, and the field's place in Iraq's production strategy.

Apr 4, 2019

Q&A: Zardasht Shangali, commander of the YBS (Sinjar Resistance Units)

After deadly clashes with the Iraqi Army, the YBS leader discusses improved security coordination, a strategically important Syrian border crossing, and the future of Sinjar.

Mar 20, 2019

UPDATE: Flooding threatens Majnoon field

Iraq risks losing over 100,000 bpd of production as flood waters overcome failing infrastructure.

Mar 8, 2019

Oil Police interdict Kirkuk-area smuggling operation

Gunfight at Jambur oil well underscores – but doesn't end – an epidemic of crude smuggling throughout northern Iraq.

Mar 7, 2019

Deadly insurgent ambush highlights security vacuum

Six paramilitary fighters were killed when insurgents, exploiting chronic security gaps in Iraq's disputed territories, launched a surprise attack along a remote highway.

Feb 11, 2019

Q&A: Jabar Yawar, secretary general of the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga

Baghdad and KRG leaders are pursuing renewed security cooperation to defuse tensions in disputed territories and combat a persistent insurgency.

Jan 31, 2019

Kirkuk oil smuggling rings thrive amidst corruption

Security forces have disrupted several operations stealing thousands of barrels of oil per day, but perpetrators with powerful connections defy justice and the smuggling continues.