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)

Jun 24, 2011

Beiji targeted again

Iraq’s largest refinery is off line after an explosion on a gas pipeline that feeds the refinery, as the oil sector continues to suffer an epidemic of attacks.

Jun 22, 2011

UPDATE: Iranian oil delegation attacked in Baghdad

An Iranian oil ministry delegation en route to meetings in Baghdad was fired on, injuring two Iraqis, before signing a deal to import Iranian fuel for electricity generation.

Jun 21, 2011

UPDATE: Attacks continue on south oil sector

Roadside assault targets western contractor providing oil sector security, the latest in an uptick of violence.

Jun 17, 2011

Bombs in Daura refinery intensify security scare

Four bombs found in Baghdad's main refinery could have caused massive damage, the third inside job on Iraq's oil sector in four months.

Jun 6, 2011

Output stable after suspected inside job attack

An investigation is ongoing into a bombing of a tank farm in Basra, but production and exports are steady after a brief slowdown.

Jun 6, 2011

Southern oil attacked

Details unclear as rare attack on Iraq's southern oil infrastructure coincides with visit by Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs.

May 25, 2011

Sadrist surge aims to hasten U.S. withdrawal

In a show of force, the radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr is organizing mass protests and denouncing a potential U.S. troop extension, amidst increased violence.

May 19, 2011

Targeted bombings massacre Kirkuk security forces

Restive disputed territory explodes with violence as a trio of bombings target security forces, killing at least 27.

May 18, 2011

Oil Police workers win

Interior Ministry bows to protester demands, hires Oil Police contract workers to full-time positions.

May 18, 2011

Beiji refinery security given to Army

After a crippling February attack on Iraq’s second-largest refinery, Maliki has ordered the Iraqi Army to take over Beiji security from the Oil Police.