Security

Deadly political divisions raise risks for Kurdistan

Rivalries between political leaders in Sulaimaniya have exploded into violence and undermined relations between Iraqi Kurdistan’s two ruling parties at a key political moment.

Bafel Talabani (left) and Lahur Talabany (right) at a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party gathering on June 15, 2021. (Source: PUK Media)

Nov 16, 2017

Akkas secure, but dangers remain

Gas field facilities have been ravaged and booby-trapped by IS militants, and tensions are mounting between rival security forces.

Nov 3, 2017

Smuggling busts implicate Basra crime rings

Four oil smuggling operations have been uncovered, but the suspected perpetrators are so powerful that security forces cannot safely make public accusations.

Nov 2, 2017

Iraq takes Akkas gas field from Islamic State control

The IS group is on the verge of losing the rest of its urban territory – and Iraq soon gets back its largest gas field.

Oct 27, 2017

Federal forces launch offensive for Feyshkabour

Iraqi troops attempt to cross the Peshmerga line in a bid to control a strategic choke point for northern oil exports.

Oct 25, 2017

With more oil assets threatened, KRG proposes truce

Federal forces are massing for a potential operation to take Feyshkabour, which would effectively end Kurdistan's independent pipeline exports.

Oct 19, 2017

Khurmala in the crosshairs

Federal forces scramble to reinforce dramatic gains in Iraq's disputed territories, as the KRG fortifies a key oil asset in anticipation of another potential confrontation.

Oct 16, 2017

UPDATE: Baghdad retakes Kirkuk oil fields

Federal forces regain control of government buildings, military bases, and oil fields – including Bai Hassan and Avana – which had been appropriated by the KRG.

Oct 16, 2017

Violence as federal forces move further toward Kirkuk

Iraqi security forces have been ordered to retake control of oil assets and military bases that have been under KRG protection since 2014.

Oct 14, 2017

Battles erupt in Tuz Khurmatu as KRG-Baghdad crisis escalates

Following provocative federal troop movements on the southern outskirts of Kirkuk, Peshmerga-Hashid fighting has broken out in another part of Iraq's disputed territories.

Oct 13, 2017

Q&A: Mohammed Zain Abedin, Hashid commander in Kirkuk

The top Hashid commander in Kirkuk discusses rising military tensions after Kurdistan's independence referendum.