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)

Sep 12, 2024

Election of new governor marks shift in Diyala power structures

Changing political and security dynamics have the potential to complicate burgeoning oil and gas development in the province.

Aug 14, 2024

Local sleeper cells in Kurdistan highlight evolving extremist threat

Two recent busts have revealed homegrown IS cells planning assassination and recruitment campaigns.

Apr 30, 2024

Khor Mor resuming production after deadly attack

Key gas field that fuels most of Kurdistan's power generation is coming back online after urgent talks over security measures to deter chronic attacks.

Apr 26, 2024

UPDATE: Four killed in drone attack on Khor Mor gas field

Four people were killed and two injured in a drone attack that has caused the Khor Mor gas field to shut down, taking three-quarters of Iraqi Kurdistan's electricity supply offline.

Mar 7, 2024

Security incident at Ratawi over land claims

Gunmen made threats against a mine clearance subcontractor over land compensation claims that some security officials described as attempted extortion.

Mar 6, 2024

Q&A: Qassem al-Araji, Iraq’s National Security Advisor

Iraq's top national security official discusses efforts to navigate U.S.-Iran tensions and reframe security cooperation with members of the counter-IS coalition.

Feb 22, 2024

Iran eludes accountability after strikes on Iraqi Kurdistan

After condemning violations of sovereignty, Baghdad and Erbil have not published investigative findings or taken action to deter further attacks by Iran and its proxy forces.

Jan 27, 2024

Drone strike hits Khor Mor, causing temporary power cuts

Thursday's attack on the gas field — the seventh in two years — caused a fire and forced a shutdown in gas production critical for power supplies in both Kurdistan and federal Iraq.

Dec 23, 2023

Anti-U.S. attacks bring new phase of security challenges for Iraq

Sparked by the Gaza war, increased strikes on American targets highlight the weakness of an Iraqi government pinned between opposing political and military forces.

Nov 21, 2023

Two-month teachers’ strike underscores severity of Baghdad-Erbil problems

The fall semester still hasn't started for public school students in Kurdistan's Sulaimaniya province due to financial and political dysfunction.