Security

Akkas gas field falters despite increasing power needs

Even as wartime supply disruptions push Iraq toward a summertime electricity crisis, the Akkas gas field is producing at a fraction of its potential.

Representatives of the Iraqi Oil Ministry and the U.S. company SLB gather in Baghdad on July 22, 2025, for the signing of a contract for the development of the Akkas gas field. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

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.

Feb 21, 2013

North Iraq pipeline bombings continue

For the second time in less than a week, saboteurs bombed a pipeline supplying refined fuel to Ninewa province from the Baiji refinery.

Jan 24, 2013

In disputed territories, a thin line between politics and violence

With their armies still locked in a standoff, the KRG and Baghdad are fighting political battles – over territory, power, and oil – that risk escalating into armed conflict.

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.