Security

Kurdistan refinery protests spark deadly violence

At least one person is dead and several injured after security forces cracked down on unemployed truck drivers demanding work at the Lanaz refinery near Erbil.

A truck prepares to load at the Lanaz oil refinery on the Gwer road west or Erbil, March 31, 2015 (PATRICK OSGOOD/Iraq Oil Report)

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.

Jun 9, 2012

UPDATE 2: Bombs target Kirkuk province oil field

Seven bombs in total were found at the Bai Hassan oil field in Kirkuk province, including two that caused damage but didn't curtain production or exports.

May 17, 2012

Oil workers kidnapped in Basra

Kidnappers disguised as police have abducted four employees of a Greek pipeline construction firm at a fake checkpoint near Rumaila oil field.

Apr 19, 2012

Q&A: Electricity Ministry IG Alaa Mohie el-Deen

Iraq’s oil transparency and electricity watchdog has two tough goals: transparency for the domestic oil sector and accountability for the most maligned ministry.

Apr 16, 2012

Smugglers target Basra’s floating power stations

Investigators have uncovered a $5 million-per-month smuggling operation that has trafficked Oil Ministry fuel into the Kurdistan region.

Apr 5, 2012

UPDATE: Northern exports resume after Turkey pipeline explosion

Bombs in Turkish territory target the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, temporarily taking it offline.

Mar 14, 2012

Ministry restricts oil company security

Amidst growing government hostility towards foreign security companies, the Oil Ministry has ordered oil field subcontractors to get protection from the Oil Police rather than private firms.