DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Will Iraq finally help protect Kurdistan's oil fields from drone attacks?

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources New plan
  • Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi is reportedly taking steps to protect Kurdistan's oil fields from frequent drone and missile attacks.
  • A joint security committee has submitted a report to Zaidi, marking progress toward securing the fields and ensuring the safety of workers.
  • Baghdad has reportedly guaranteed protection for oil fields, with expectations that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could increase significantly.

Iraq's Kurdistan Region, which has endured approximately 850 drone and missile attacks since February 28, may finally receive protection for its vital oil fields. The region has been a target of Iranian-backed militias and Iran, with attacks often disrupting energy facilities.

the joint security committee formed to assess the security situation of oil fields in the Kurdistan Region has completed its work and submitted its report to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, marking a step toward protecting oil fields from missile and drone attacks.

— RudawThe Kurdish media outlet reported on the progress made by the joint security committee.

Under the new Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi, who took office two months ago, Baghdad appears to be shifting its stance. Zaidi has pursued closer ties with the U.S. and vowed to disarm Iranian-backed militias. This new approach seems to extend to securing the Kurdistan Region, which has previously faced attacks with what the article describes as "bemusement" from Baghdad.

A joint security committee formed to assess the situation has completed its work and submitted a report to Prime Minister Zaidi. This marks a significant step toward protecting the oil fields from ongoing missile and drone threats. The Khor Mor gas field, crucial for providing electricity to the Kurdistan Region, has been a frequent target.

Yes, the reports are complete. They have been submitted. Zaidi has provided a guarantee in writing to the oil companies to resume their operations.

— Sipan SherwaniA member of the Iraqi parliament's oil and energy committee spoke about the submission of reports and the prime minister's guarantee.

According to Kurdish media outlet Rudaw, Baghdad has now assumed responsibility for guaranteeing the protection of the oil fields and the safety of workers. Sipan Sherwani, a member of the Iraqi parliament's oil and energy committee, confirmed that reports have been submitted and Zaidi has provided a written guarantee to oil companies. "We anticipate that in the coming days, based on statements from the oil companies, oil exports from the Kurdistan Region will increase to over 205,000 barrels per day," Sherwani stated.

We anticipate that in the coming days, based on statements from the oil companies, oil exports from the Kurdistan Region will increase to over 205,000 barrels per day.

— Sipan SherwaniSherwani projected an increase in oil exports following the security assurances.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, indicated that Baghdad is proceeding with defense contracts, suggesting a concrete commitment to enhancing security measures in the region.

Baghdad is moving ahead with defense contracts

— Sabah al-NumanThe spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces commented on defense initiatives.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog