Badra robbery highlights lingering oil field security threats
Gangs, tribal violence, and militia activity pose security risks at southern oil fields, but provinces and police are digging in.
A Gazprom security worker walks behind a fence at a drilling platform at the Badra oil field in Wasit province on Oct. 18, 2012. (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images)
KUT - Just before midnight on Dec. 19, a convoy of gunmen stormed the Badra oil field in Wasit province, stole sport utility vehicles and cash, and fled into the night, most likely north to Diyala province, according to local security and political officials and oil field workers.
"Guards and workers were tied up, 15 million dinars [about $12,500*] were stolen, along with cellphone devices, laptops and a few vehicles," said Capt. Hassan al-Sarrai, the director of the Wasit province police department's media office. "After reports reached the authorities, the checkpoint of al-Luj managed to engage in a firefight with the gang, damaging one vehicle and injuring one member of the gang."
This content is for registered users. Please login to continue.
If you are not a registered user, you may purchase a subscription.
If you are not a registered user, you may purchase a subscription.
