Security

Deadly political divisions raise risks for Kurdistan

Rivalries between political leaders in Sulaimaniya have exploded into violence and undermined relations between Iraqi Kurdistan’s two ruling parties at a key political moment.

Bafel Talabani (left) and Lahur Talabany (right) at a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party gathering on June 15, 2021. (Source: PUK Media)

Jul 23, 2022

Zakho attack on tourists strains Iraq-Turkey relations

Baghdad blames Ankara for a deadly strike on civilians, raising tensions as a potentially game-changing international arbitration ruling looms.

Jun 28, 2022

Khor Mor expansion suspended after rocket attacks

Repeated attacks have halted a major U.S.-financed project to expand Kurdistan’s electricity feedstock and develop extra capacity toward potential, future gas exports to Europe.

Jun 25, 2022

Third attack hits Khor Mor gas field

The gas field providing feedstock for most of Kurdistan’s electricity has come under rocket or mortar fire three times in four days.

Jun 24, 2022

Khor Mor gas field attacked again

For the second time in three days, Kurdistan's lynchpin gas field came under attack, during a time of rising political tension in Baghdad.

Jun 23, 2022

Rocket attack targets Khor Mor gas field

The latest strike on the KRG's energy sector narrowly missed gas facilities that provide most of Kurdistan's electricity feedstock.

May 23, 2022

Deadly hemorrhagic fever outbreak hits Iraq

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever has killed at least 18 people this year as health authorities warn of an increasing spread and inadequate government response.

May 17, 2022

Tensions rise over alleged intrusion at Kirkuk oil wells

Iraq's North Oil Company has accused the KRG of trying to grab control of oil wells at Bai Hassan field, reflecting a long history of mistrust and political friction.

May 4, 2022

Another refinery attack signals rising threat

Sunday's rocket strike on KAR Group's refinery complex in Erbil damaged a storage tank and highlighted increasing security risks for Iraqi Kurdistan's critical energy infrastructure.

Apr 12, 2022

Attack hits near Kurdistan’s export pipeline

An explosion Sunday night in the vicinity of a pumping station highlights potential vulnerabilities of key energy infrastructure.

Apr 7, 2022

Rocket attack misses Kurdistan refinery complex but raises security concerns

Just three weeks after Iranian ballistic missiles destroyed the house of the head of KAR Group, a rocket attack appeared to target the company's refinery complex.