Pirates rob American ship in U.S.-guarded Iraqi waters
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.
An American speed patrol boat heading from the warships to the al-Basra Oil Terminal. (BEN LANDO/Iraq Oil Report)
Pirates wielding AK-47 machine guns boarded and robbed at least two cargo ships, one of them American, that were anchored in Iraqi waters early Aug. 8. The daring criminal operation has exposed the security problems that still threaten Iraq and its economy.
The ships were near the Umm Qasr port and the al-Basra and Khor al-Amaya oil terminals, which combined account for more than 95 percent of the country's income. In this critical commerce hub, such robberies and criminal impunity could undermine the economy – and a successful terrorist attack could cripple the country and cause massive environmental damage.
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.
