Security

Oil companies evacuate as Burjisiya drone attack highlights rising threat

Strike on a key oil logistics hub in Basra signals danger for southern Iraq's oil sector as Iran and its proxies target U.S. companies.

Emergency responders work to extinguish a fire at a chemical storage facility at the Burjisiya logistics hub in Basra on March 6, 2026.

Jan 15, 2013

Oil worker kidnapping highlights Al-Qaida’s power

An oil worker in Anbar province was held hostage for weeks in an al-Qaida stronghold where security forces were afraid to venture. He was released for a $50,000 ransom.

Dec 20, 2012

Finance Ministry targeted in security force roundup

Sudden arrest warrants, "aggressive" troop presence in Green Zone centers on security team of Finance Minister Rafa al-Issawi.

Dec 12, 2012

Disputed oil drilling could provoke war

Top political and military officials in Baghdad are warning that the Iraqi Army will risk civil war to stop ExxonMobil and any other company from drilling in disputed territories.

Nov 30, 2012

Protestors storm Garraf oil field after religious dispute

Angered by alleged offenses against their religious practices, protesters attacked the Petronas headquarters, injuring employees and damaging offices and equipment.

Nov 28, 2012

Disputed territories crisis easing

The Iraqi Army and Kurdish forces have agreed to end a huge military escalation in Iraq's disputed territories despite recent bombings apparently aimed at destabilizing the area.

Nov 21, 2012

Q&A: Peshmerga General Secretary Jabar Yawar Manda

As Kurdish and federal security forces square off in the disputed areas of Salahaddin province, the Peshmerga Ministry's general secretary paints a dire picture.

Sep 27, 2012

Maliki security consolidation prompts Kurdish outcry

The prime minister is increasing his direct control over security forces in Iraq's most sensitive disputed areas – straining tensions and gaining key leverage over Kurdistan.

Sep 18, 2012

As Syria erupts, Iraqi networks expand arms trafficking

Local governments are fighting an uphill battle against a burgeoning black-market weapons trade, amidst fears that Syrian violence is stoking sectarian conflict in Iraq.

Aug 30, 2012

Minorities feel threatened by disputed oil deals

Christians, Yezidis and other minority groups say the KRG-Baghdad fight over oil contracts ignores their pleas for assistance, self-determination.

Jun 21, 2012

Kidnapped oil workers released for $500,000 ransom

After negotiations between the Iraqi government and kidnappers – held at a luxury hotel in Basra – four oil workers were freed from more than a month of captivity.