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)

May 1, 2016

‫Protesters demanding reform storm Green Zone

Political dysfunction reaches a breaking point, as protesters answering to Moqtada al-Sadr ransack Parliament after several parties again stonewalled Abadi's Cabinet reforms.

Apr 29, 2016

South oil workers moonlighting as weapon designers

To help militias fighting against IS, South Oil Company engineers have designed smartphone-activated rocket launchers and remote-control robots for defusing explosives.

Apr 24, 2016

Kurd-Hashid rivalries again explode into violence

In the multi-ethnic town of Tuz Khurmatu, nominal allies against IS are turning their guns on each other in another spate of deadly battles.

Apr 22, 2016

Q&A: Iraqi Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool

Iraq’s spokesman for the Joint Military Command taking on IS discusses the grueling siege of Fallujah, and the progress of operations in Anbar province.

Apr 19, 2016

Air strikes rattle IS in Mosul, with high toll on civilians

Dozens of militants are dying every week, sowing paranoia among their ranks. But as the group embeds itself deeper into the city, residents say they are also suffering – from both IS crackdowns and air strikes.

Apr 13, 2016

South oil official executed in his house

Official tasked with South Oil Company purchasing was murdered in his home, police said.

Apr 8, 2016

Fallujah civilians trapped in humanitarian catastrophe

With the city under siege, an estimated 90,000 residents are threatened by starvation, indiscriminate shelling and IS brutality – and they cannot leave.

Apr 6, 2016

Kirkuk wellhead bombing reveals security gap

Explosion at Khabbaz field sets fire to a minor well, but the attack exposes inadequate protection of northern oil infrastructure.

Apr 4, 2016

Suicide bombs hit oil heartland

Attacks in Basra and Dhi Qar highlight the IS group's determination to use asymmetric tactics to strike southern Iraq, despite losses in the north.

Mar 25, 2016

Iraqi forces squeeze Mosul, as IS tactics shift

As a ground offensive pushes slowly toward Mosul and air strikes intensify, IS militants use residents as human shields and step up executions to stifle internal dissent.