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 24, 2024

Iraq braces for change after Syria upheaval

Leaders across the political spectrum in Baghdad foresee new security threats, shifting political dynamics, and impacts on energy trade.

Nov 19, 2024

Mansuriya gas field contract signed despite security, political challenges

China's Jereh and the local firm PetroIraq clinch a deal that could give a badly needed boost to Iraq's domestic energy supply.

Oct 2, 2024

Baghdad-Erbil progress fuels hope for counter-insurgency fight

The formation of two joint brigades highlights improving cooperation that could help combat IS militants and close security gaps.

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.