Security

As Iraq tries to rein in paramilitary groups, oil sector threats remain

Several armed groups say they will put their weapons under state control, but the most aggressive Iran-backed fighters remain outside the process.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (center front) attends a ceremony on June 14, 2026, to mark the 12th anniversary of the creation of the Popular Mobilization Forces. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Feb 18, 2010

The biggest job

Iraq's young navy and marines and their American and British counterparts are in a race against time to ensure the safety of the country's most important piece of infrastructure, the al-Basra Oil Terminal.

Feb 6, 2010

Civilian feared kidnapped in Baghdad

A civilian contractor has disappeared in Baghdad and now appears to feature in a militant group's video, raising fears that kidnap tactics may return to Iraq

Feb 2, 2010

Kurd-Arab patrols rattle Kirkuk

Kurd, Arab and US soldiers are patrolling areas around the disputed, oil-rich city of Kirkuk, to the alarm of locals.

Feb 1, 2010

Iraqi security marked by Arbayin violence

Religious pilgrims are targeted in suicide attack that poses challenges to pre-election security and threatens to reverse recent security gains.

Jan 26, 2010

Baghdad hotel blasts puncture oil signing progress

Dozens are killed in bombings that shocked the capital, targeting popular hotels in the run-up to March 7 elections.

Jan 6, 2010

Ministry of Defense: ‘defects’ in northern pipeline security

Spokesperson acknowledges Iraqi Army 4th Division to blame for letting four bombs hit the northern oil export pipeline since Oct. 26, says government working on solution.

Jan 5, 2010

North pipeline security questioned

Iraqi and U.S. security officials say it’s not a coincidence the four recent attacks on the northern oil pipeline occurred under the watch of the 4th Iraqi Army Division.

Dec 22, 2009

Two days ‘at least’ until north pipeline fix

The northern export pipeline will not be back online until Thursday despite earlier expectations damage from the explosion repaired Tuesday.

Dec 21, 2009

North pipeline blast: offline fourth time in two months

Repair crews are scrambling to fix yet another interdiction in the northern crude export pipeline which is being blamed on sabotage.

Dec 18, 2009

The Iranian invasion

Tehran given message from Iraqi government to remove troops and lower Iranian flag from occupied border oil well in Missan province after late Friday security meetings of the provincial and national governments.