Security

Akkas gas field falters despite increasing power needs

Even as wartime supply disruptions push Iraq toward a summertime electricity crisis, the Akkas gas field is producing at a fraction of its potential.

Representatives of the Iraqi Oil Ministry and the U.S. company SLB gather in Baghdad on July 22, 2025, for the signing of a contract for the development of the Akkas gas field. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Dec 19, 2017

Tensions rise over Khurmala

With rival armed forces massed near strategically important oil assets, federal and KRG negotiators are at an impasse.

Dec 14, 2017

Mysterious militants raise new fears of insurgency

A new armed group has appeared in northern Iraq, causing locals to fear that IS is regrouping and re-branding for guerrilla warfare.

Nov 23, 2017

IS insurgency exploits Baghdad-KRG conflict

Thousands of federal and Kurdish soldiers are pointing their weapons at each other, leaving volatile territory inadequately guarded and vulnerable to an emboldened IS insurgency.

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.