Prevention, attacks target oil

BAGHDAD - Iraq’s second largest oil refinery complex was hit by incoming fire Monday night, but the once prominent oil sector attacks remains rare. Precautions taken since the massive Aug. 19 truck bombings are evident in the long lines at gas stations, which the Oil Ministry attributed to increased checkpoints and more restrictions on fuel tankers traversing the capital.

"We had information that some armed groups will try to attack some civilian targets in Basra such as the refinery and ports, so we prepared our forces to protect as much as we can civilians who are possibly exposed to the attack," said Ali Ganum al-Maliki, the head of the Basra Provincial Council's security commission.