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)

May 20, 2017

Bombers intercepted near Basra oil fields

After encountering heightened security on the outskirts of Basra, near the Rumaila oil field, two suicide attackers blew up their car bombs.

May 10, 2017

Arrests made in Kirkuk gas official’s assassination

Iraqi premier claims members of Kurdish police were involved, raising prospect of political motives behind the May 2 attack.

May 2, 2017

Assassins kill North Gas Company deputy DG

The attack echoes a series of assassinations targeting northern oil officials in 2015.

Apr 25, 2017

Turkey kills allies in strike on Sinjar

The bombing raid targeted a PKK affiliate, but KRG Peshmerga were killed.

Apr 13, 2017

Q&A: Deputy Minister for National Security Affairs Akeel al-Saffar

A long-serving Iraq security official discusses the future of the al-Hashid al-Shabi program and outlines a proposal for providing security services to investors.

Mar 31, 2017

IS use of human shields complicates Mosul offensive

The civilian death toll is rising as IS militants use human shields in their ruthless defense of western Mosul.

Mar 17, 2017

Intra-Kurdish tensions high amidst provocations and protests

Security forces affiliated with Kurdistan's ruling KDP party have deployed near several PKK-heavy areas, raising the prospect of more violent confrontations.

Mar 10, 2017

Kirkuk oil crisis subsides as PUK faction withdraws

"Black Force" special police left key energy sites in Kirkuk, but the political tensions that produced the dramatic showdown remain unresolved.

Mar 7, 2017

Wellheads burn at Hamrin field after deadly IS attack

Four Hashid soldiers were killed in an attack late Monday, when IS insurgents set multiple wellheads on fire.

Mar 7, 2017

PUK faction seizes more Kirkuk energy infrastructure

"Black Force" special police took over the North Gas Company headquarters Sunday, and continue to occupy the IT-1 station, as tensions over Kirkuk energy resources escalate.