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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)

Army brigade defects in disputed territories

More than 1,000 Iraqi Army troops in Tuz Khurmatu, the site of past Kurd-Arab violence, have defied their chain of command, refused to redeploy, and could soon formally join the Peshmerga.

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.

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.