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)

Jan 28, 2016

Once fixable, Baiji refinery plundered beyond repair

An early damage assessment, conducted after Iraq's largest refinery was liberated from IS militants in October 2015, gave some hope it could be rehabilitated. But now there's little left to save.

Jan 21, 2016

Negotiations ease threat to Kurdistan gas pipeline

After political mediation, a local leader in Chemchemal has eased off threats to cut the KRG's main gas pipeline, but tensions remain high.

Jan 21, 2016

Local leader threatens key Kurdistan gas pipeline

A political leader in Chemchemal has partially excavated the pipeline transporting the majority of Kurdistan's power plant feedstock.

Jan 20, 2016

Strikes, protests reignite as Kurdistan salary delays worsen

The KRG's deepening economic crisis is again sparking public unrest and threatening to further aggravate internal political divisions.

Jan 12, 2016

After battlefield defeats, IS hits softer targets

A bloody siege on a mall in Baghdad, suicide bombs in Diyala and a string of bombs behind the line of Kurdistan's southern border could signal a resurgence of asymmetric warfare.

Jan 11, 2016

Erbil power project halted after attack on foreign contractors

A dispute with a Kurdish sub-contractor ignites into violence, as attackers smash vehicles and work stops at the nearly completed, 300 megawatt Khabat power plant.

Jan 8, 2016

Badra robbery highlights lingering oil field security threats

Gangs, tribal violence, and militia activity pose security risks at southern oil fields, but provinces and police are digging in.

Jan 6, 2016

Ibrahim Khalil crossing to Turkey reopens

Commercial traffic to and from Iraq’s main border crossing with Turkey has restarted, after nearly a month of disruptions affected fuel and power supplies in Kurdistan.

Dec 31, 2015

Escape from Qaim

Before he escaped the self-proclaimed Islamic State, Jassim Mohammed witnessed the group's brutal rule, plunder, and commerce.

Dec 28, 2015

Armed with intel, U.S. strikes curtail IS oil sector

It once made over $1 million per day in Iraq alone, but now the IS oil sector, which lured hundreds of foreign workers, is struggling to meet its internal demand.