A fire erupted at a foreign-operated oil facility in Basra, Iraq, on Friday following suspected drone attacks, causing significant structural damage and prompting emergency evacuations. Footage captured on Saturday revealed charred offices and warehouses used by U.S. firms Halliburton and KBR, with flames later contained by firefighting teams. No casualties have been reported.
Multiple energy companies, including Schlumberger, began relocating expatriate staff to Kuwait on Saturday as security assessments continue. The incident highlights growing concerns over infrastructure vulnerabilities in Iraq's oil-rich south, which accounts for over 80% of the country's crude exports.
Analysts warn that repeated attacks on energy facilities could disrupt production stability amid global efforts to balance oil markets. Iraqi authorities have launched an investigation but declined to speculate on responsibility for the drones.
