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)

Nov 13, 2022

Smuggling bust unravels into scandal of murder and political intrigue

An oil smuggling ring was stealing thousands of barrels per day from a pipeline in Basra. The true contours of the conspiracy remain a mystery.

Oct 20, 2022

Widening Turkey-PKK conflict presents new risks for Iraqi Kurdistan

Turkey has long targeted Kurdish separatist bases in the remote Qandil mountains, but recent cross-border strikes are also hitting near population centers.

Sep 29, 2022

Iran strikes opposition targets deep in Iraqi Kurdistan

As protesters in Iran denounce the government, Iran's military escalates its cross-border campaign against Kurdish parties accused of supporting the unrest.

Aug 30, 2022

UPDATE: Civil unrest raises risks for oil sector

As political crisis and escalating violence threaten the stability of the state, followers of Sadr have also started protests at some oil fields.

Aug 16, 2022

Armed protesters demand oil jobs, sparking deadly gunfire

A 19-year-old was killed at a demonstration near Kurdistan's Akri Bijeel oil field.

Aug 9, 2022

Dust storms highlight Iraqi leadership failures as climate crisis worsens

Iraq's most vulnerable citizens are the hardest hit by dust storms, which are growing in frequency and intensity due to both global climate change and government inaction.

Aug 9, 2022

Public anger combusts at violent oil field protests

Sunday's clashes at the Halfaya field left 18 security officers injured — highlighting the volatile consequences of government paralysis amidst failing services and high unemployment.

Aug 3, 2022

Political upheaval in Baghdad reverberates across oil sector

In the increasingly chaotic struggle to form a new government, Iraq's oil sector has been both a political battleground and a victim of dysfunctional governance.

Jul 26, 2022

Rocket strike causes fire at Khor Mor gas field

Four attacks in two months have targeted the gas field, which provides the vast majority of the feedstock for Iraqi Kurdistan’s electricity supply.

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.