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)

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.

Jan 13, 2012

First foreign oil company attacked

Zero casualty and only equipment damage, but Ninewa attack on exploration company raises profile of security threats to the oil sector.

Jan 6, 2012

Deadly attacks continue as Iraqi leaders feud

A series of bombings Thursday targeted Shiites, killing at least 68, while a political conflict continues to stoke sectarian mistrust.