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Security

Basra tanker attack marks deepening crisis for Iraq oil sector

Iraq is facing a widening array of security threats and economic consequences from the Iran war.
Iraqi ports director Farhan al-Fartousi (right) conducts an inspection on March 12, 2026, of the site of an Iranian attack on oil tankers the previous night. (Photo credit: General Company for Ports of Iraq)

Sinjar operation begins

A joint assault on the IS-held town of Sinjar is slowly unfolding, with Kurdish government and militia forces, including Yezidi units, sharing the battlespace.

Splits over Sinjar strategy leave town in IS control

Power struggles among rival Kurdish forces, several backed by the U.S., are frustrating a long-planned offensive to retake the city whose sacking drew the world’s attention to the IS invasion.

Revived security forces advance on Ramadi

Pro-government forces have launched a multi-pronged attack, tightening the military blockade around the city and setting the stage for a deeper assault.

North oil facilities face ongoing IS attacks

In the week after a Peshmerga offensive designed to insulate key oil infrastructure from IS threats, North Gas Company and the Khabbaz oil field have come under attack.