Security

Iraq braces for change after Syria upheaval

Leaders across the political spectrum in Baghdad foresee new security threats, shifting political dynamics, and impacts on energy trade.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discusses events in Syria at a meeting of the State Administration Coalition — the major political groups in Sudani's governing coalition — on Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Oct 13, 2017

Q&A: Mohammed Zain Abedin, Hashid commander in Kirkuk

The top Hashid commander in Kirkuk discusses rising military tensions after Kurdistan's independence referendum.

Oct 13, 2017

Q&A: Wasta Rasool, Peshmerga commander in Kirkuk

The Peshmerga commander responsible for the KRG's fourth sector, including south of Kirkuk, talks about recent military escalations.

Oct 13, 2017

Q&A: Kirkuk Gov. Najmaldin Karim

As political and military tensions mount around Kirkuk, the governor discusses the future of the province and its oil.

Oct 12, 2017

Hashid-Peshmerga battles near Kirkuk raise specter of war

The KRG fears federal Iraqi forces are plotting a "major attack" days after tensions combusted into two, hour-long firefights near the disputed Bai Hassan oil field.

Oct 5, 2017

Q&A: Col. Ryan Dillon, anti-IS coalition spokesperson

The Hawija offensive is nearly complete, causing some Iraqi leaders to declare victory - but there is still fighting to be done.

Oct 3, 2017

Military buildup on the KRG-Iran border

Kurdish security forces and Iranian tanks have deployed to opposite sides of the Parwezkhan crossing, as Baghdad moves to exert federal control over border posts.

Sep 29, 2017

Facing defeat in Hawija, IS torches oil wells

Multiple wellheads at the Alas field are burning as IS militants defend one of their last Iraqi strongholds from an ongoing offensive.

Sep 26, 2017

As Kurdistan casts independence vote, threats loom

The KRG oil sector is in the crosshairs of Iraq's Parliament and Turkey's president, who are seeking to stop the momentum of Kurdish secession after Monday's referendum.

Sep 22, 2017

Iraqi forces push north into IS-held Hawija

Despite a lack of close coordination with Peshmerga, federal security forces started an offensive to retake the IS group's last major stronghold in northern Iraq.

Sep 20, 2017

New offensive aims to retake western Anbar

Iraqi forces are advancing toward Ana, Rawa and al-Qaim – an operation that promises to clear the last major IS strongholds in Anbar province and reclaim the Akkas gas field.