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.

Dec 13, 2011

Q&A: The new head of Iraq’s energy security

The head of the Energy Police, a new directorate in charge of all energy infrastructure protection, describes his organization and its challenges on the eve of the U.S. withdrawal.

Nov 29, 2011

Security problems stymie Basra conference

In the wake of a deadly bombing, the biggest players in Basra's oil sector backed out of a conference meant to highlight Iraq's investment opportunities.

Oct 11, 2011

Rumaila production recovering after bombings

The country's largest oil field is up to nearly 1 million bpd and officials are plotting security fixes after pipeline bombings drastically cut output.

Oct 8, 2011

Explosions considered terrorism in Basra oil field

Attacks late Friday in Rumaila took out four pipelines and halted output, though didn't affect exports, officials said.

Sep 2, 2011

Oil companies forced to take taxis at Basra airport

In the latest red-tape rule that could stifle oil field development, foreign oil company officials have to ditch their security before entering airport grounds.

Aug 15, 2011

Violence shakes Iraq during Ramadan lull

Halfway through a relatively calm Ramadan, security is shattered by seemingly coordinated attacks nationwide.

Jul 7, 2011

Oil Police doubles down on security

After being temporarily removed from leading Beiji refinery security, the Oil Police is revamping its strategy and increasing its presence.

Jun 28, 2011

Beiji online after quick fix

Investigators still don't know what caused last week's explosion, but damaged gas line no longer impacting output.

Jun 24, 2011

Beiji targeted again

Iraq’s largest refinery is off line after an explosion on a gas pipeline that feeds the refinery, as the oil sector continues to suffer an epidemic of attacks.

Jun 22, 2011

UPDATE: Iranian oil delegation attacked in Baghdad

An Iranian oil ministry delegation en route to meetings in Baghdad was fired on, injuring two Iraqis, before signing a deal to import Iranian fuel for electricity generation.