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)

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.

Oct 13, 2017

Q&A: Wasta Rasool, Peshmerga commander in Kirkuk

The Peshmerga commander responsible for the KRG's fourth sector, including south of Kirkuk, talks about recent military escalations.

Oct 13, 2017

Q&A: Kirkuk Gov. Najmaldin Karim

As political and military tensions mount around Kirkuk, the governor discusses the future of the province and its oil.

Oct 12, 2017

Hashid-Peshmerga battles near Kirkuk raise specter of war

The KRG fears federal Iraqi forces are plotting a "major attack" days after tensions combusted into two, hour-long firefights near the disputed Bai Hassan oil field.

Oct 5, 2017

Q&A: Col. Ryan Dillon, anti-IS coalition spokesperson

The Hawija offensive is nearly complete, causing some Iraqi leaders to declare victory - but there is still fighting to be done.

Oct 3, 2017

Military buildup on the KRG-Iran border

Kurdish security forces and Iranian tanks have deployed to opposite sides of the Parwezkhan crossing, as Baghdad moves to exert federal control over border posts.

Sep 29, 2017

Facing defeat in Hawija, IS torches oil wells

Multiple wellheads at the Alas field are burning as IS militants defend one of their last Iraqi strongholds from an ongoing offensive.