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)

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.

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.