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)

Nov 22, 2010

British Navy trainers remain at oil terminals

Iraqi cabinet bypasses Parliament, grants British forces last-minute extension to keep training Iraqi Navy guarding oil exports.

Nov 19, 2010

UK Navy likely gone

On Nov. 22 the British navy will stop training the Iraqi forces that guard 80 percent of oil exports. Their re-authorization is stuck in Iraq’s political quagmire.

Sep 2, 2010

Oil capital Basra scrambles for security

A week after Basra and a dozen other cities were struck by coordinated bombings and shootings, life stalls.

Aug 24, 2010

Iraq readies for AQI strike on oil sector

Iraqi Oil Police initiate measures to combat possible attack, especially along the northern export pipeline.

Aug 11, 2010

Iraqi forces pursued robbers of cargo ships in Gulf

Details emerge as officials confirm that four ships were looted, but assert that ports are secure.

Aug 10, 2010

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.

Jul 13, 2010

Major oil export development highlights security questions

Iraq awards Foster Wheeler contract to oversee massive southern oil export expansion, as top U.S. military official says foreign forces may be needed to protect oil exports after 2011.

Jul 7, 2010

Increasing violence hits Iraq’s oil sector

In a summer of discontent, Iraq’s oil sector is a popular target for outlaws of all stripes – from insurgents, to organized smugglers, to petty criminals and vandals.

Jul 6, 2010

Kurdish rebels step up hostilities with Turkey pipeline attack

Kurdish independence group claims an attack in Turkish territory on the Iraq-Turkey pipeline is response to unresolved and escalating tension.

Jun 10, 2010

UPDATE: Northern pipeline hard hit by bomb attack and smugglers

Despite ongoing efforts to improve security, Iraq's northern oil export pipeline still suffers from attacks and well organized smuggling operations.