Security

As Iraq tries to rein in paramilitary groups, oil sector threats remain

Several armed groups say they will put their weapons under state control, but the most aggressive Iran-backed fighters remain outside the process.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (center front) attends a ceremony on June 14, 2026, to mark the 12th anniversary of the creation of the Popular Mobilization Forces. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Aug 1, 2018

Iraq struggles to contain Basra oil protests

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.

Jul 27, 2018

Electricity service collapses as protests reignite

A shut-down of transmission lines left millions without power for hours, reinforcing the grievances of a protest movement that has caused minor disruptions at oil sites.

Jul 25, 2018

Energy sector remains vulnerable to protester ire

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

Jul 18, 2018

Oil sector weathers storm of protests

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

Jul 13, 2018

Government offers oil job promises to settle protesters

Demonstrators turned violent on fifth straight day of protests in an attempt to enter Basra oil fields, though were repelled by security forces.

Jul 11, 2018

Four killed protecting pipeline warehouse outside Kirkuk

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

Jul 11, 2018

Low-level smuggling is high stakes for local officials

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

Jul 9, 2018

Protester killed in services protest outside Basra oil field

Iraqi security forces shot protesters in an escalation of chronic frustration with a lack of jobs and services, including salty water that shut down the Basra refinery.

Apr 24, 2018

Insurgents use intimidation to amplify influence

Islamic State militants thrive in large security gaps across northern Iraq, moving freely among villages, shopping for supplies, and using threats to enforce compliance.

Mar 2, 2018

Northern Iraq reeling as IS regroups for insurgency

The government cannot control large swaths of territory, as Islamic State insurgents solidify footholds and launch attacks targeting security forces and energy infrastructure.