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)

May 21, 2013

Bombs, kidnappings, mistrust shake fragile nation

At least 65 people were killed Monday, as political divisions and sectarian tensions continue to feed violence throughout Iraq.

May 17, 2013

Iraq-Turkey Pipeline sabotage continues

Persistent bombings have continued to disrupt Iraq's northern export pipeline, with repairs delayed by security problems.

May 10, 2013

Poor security stalls pipeline repairs

Due to security problems, repair crews cannot fix Iraq's northern export pipeline, which shut down after a May 7 incident.

Apr 30, 2013

Kurdish troops advance on Kirkuk

As overstretched Iraqi forces struggle to counter a violent Sunni uprising, Kurdistan's military has taken aggressive new positions around Kirkuk.

Apr 25, 2013

Sectarian conflict ignites amidst protest crackdowns

Government forces battled Sunni militants and protesters across the country, as long-standing sectarian grievances threaten to combust into open warfare.

Apr 24, 2013

Violence escalates in protest clashes

Dozens were killed when Iraqi security forces cracked down on demonstrations and armed protesters fought back, sparking sectarian resentment and bloodshed across the country.

Apr 22, 2013

Qaiyarah well burning, spewing toxic gas

After attacks on both the Qaiyarah and Najmah oil fields, at least one well is burning while hydrogen sulfide gas threatens cleanup crews, local residents, and the environment.

Apr 2, 2013

Deadly Akkas attack underscores Anbar volatility

Three people were killed and one was kidnapped when a score of gunmen raided a work site at the Akkas gas field and escaped into the lawless desert of western Anbar.

Mar 5, 2013

Car bomb strikes Erbil

The normally secure capital of Kurdistan was jolted by an attack on a Peshmerga officer.

Mar 4, 2013

UPDATE: Ninewa pipeline bombed for the fifth time

The fuel pipeline from Baiji to Ninewa has been bombed twice in the past two days, and five times in the last three weeks. The Oil Ministry is pointing fingers at local security forces.