Iraq News Now

KIRKUK/SULAIMANIYA - Authorities in the Iraqi government and the autonomous Kurdistan region are struggling to address the worsening problem of endemic smuggling from Kirkuk oil fields, where thousands of barrels are stolen every day.

At least two sets of operations have been uncovered in and around Kirkuk in recent months. One elaborate plot targeted a pipeline through Erbil province, and another series of schemes has involved stealing oil from eastern Kirkuk fields and trucking it into Sulaimaniya.

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