A week after Basra and a dozen other cities were struck by coordinated bombings and shootings, life stalls.
Iraqi Oil Police initiate measures to combat possible attack, especially along the northern export pipeline.
Details emerge as officials confirm that four ships were looted, but assert that ports are secure.
At least two commercial vessels were robbed by pirates in Iraqi waters near the country’s main cargo port and two oil terminals, highlighting the security vulnerabilities of Iraq’s ports.
Iraq awards Foster Wheeler contract to oversee massive southern oil export expansion, as top U.S. military official says foreign forces may be needed to protect oil exports after 2011.
In a summer of discontent, Iraq’s oil sector is a popular target for outlaws of all stripes – from insurgents, to organized smugglers, to petty criminals and vandals.
Kurdish independence group claims an attack in Turkish territory on the Iraq-Turkey pipeline is response to unresolved and escalating tension.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve security, Iraq's northern oil export pipeline still suffers from attacks and well organized smuggling operations.
International and Iraqi state companies say tribes in Dhi Qar province are making demands and threats that amount to extortion.
Initial report that weapons were found on a key oil field spread concerns of threats to massive planned investment, though industry official says it is used to operating in tough places.
