Security

Iraqi oil shutdowns loom as U.S. attacks Iran

Some production is already offline and Iraqi oil officials are bracing for a total loss of southern exports.

A worker from Iraq's state-run Oil Pipelines Company repairs part of a pipeline in Babel province carrying oil products from the Shuaiba refinery in Basra, in February 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Pipelines Company)

Aug 30, 2022

UPDATE: Civil unrest raises risks for oil sector

As political crisis and escalating violence threaten the stability of the state, followers of Sadr have also started protests at some oil fields.

Aug 16, 2022

Armed protesters demand oil jobs, sparking deadly gunfire

A 19-year-old was killed at a demonstration near Kurdistan's Akri Bijeel oil field.

Aug 9, 2022

Dust storms highlight Iraqi leadership failures as climate crisis worsens

Iraq's most vulnerable citizens are the hardest hit by dust storms, which are growing in frequency and intensity due to both global climate change and government inaction.

Aug 9, 2022

Public anger combusts at violent oil field protests

Sunday's clashes at the Halfaya field left 18 security officers injured — highlighting the volatile consequences of government paralysis amidst failing services and high unemployment.

Aug 3, 2022

Political upheaval in Baghdad reverberates across oil sector

In the increasingly chaotic struggle to form a new government, Iraq's oil sector has been both a political battleground and a victim of dysfunctional governance.

Jul 26, 2022

Rocket strike causes fire at Khor Mor gas field

Four attacks in two months have targeted the gas field, which provides the vast majority of the feedstock for Iraqi Kurdistan’s electricity supply.

Jul 23, 2022

Zakho attack on tourists strains Iraq-Turkey relations

Baghdad blames Ankara for a deadly strike on civilians, raising tensions as a potentially game-changing international arbitration ruling looms.

Jun 28, 2022

Khor Mor expansion suspended after rocket attacks

Repeated attacks have halted a major U.S.-financed project to expand Kurdistan’s electricity feedstock and develop extra capacity toward potential, future gas exports to Europe.

Jun 25, 2022

Third attack hits Khor Mor gas field

The gas field providing feedstock for most of Kurdistan’s electricity has come under rocket or mortar fire three times in four days.

Jun 24, 2022

Khor Mor gas field attacked again

For the second time in three days, Kurdistan's lynchpin gas field came under attack, during a time of rising political tension in Baghdad.