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Iraq: Oil companies tighten security following attack

Following the Nov. 1 attack on the Ahdab oil field in southern Iraq, foreign oil companies operating in the country have tightened security measures while the government tries to ease concerns.
An aerial view of excess gas burning off at the al-Ahdab oil field in Wasit province September 23, 2011. Chinese company, the China National Petroleum Corporation has begun operations at the Al-Ahdab oil field in Iraq, according to news reports. Picture taken September 23, 2011. REUTERS/Mohammed Ameen (IRAQ - Tags :POLITICS BUSINESS - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY BUSINESS) - RTR2RRJ2
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BAGHDAD — Foreign oil companies operating in Iraq have tightened security procedures at the sites they manage as a precaution following a Nov. 1 attack on the Ahdab oil field, 180 kilometers [50 miles] southeast of Baghdad in Wasit province. Unidentified gunman stormed the site, west of Kut, and made off with money, weapons and equipment.The Oil Ministry has reassured the companies that the incident involved theft and nothing more.

The Ahdab field was developed and operated by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) under a technical services contract with the Iraqi government. Operations began there in 2011.

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