Iraq's offshore oil wealth protected by navy force

[Robbien]

Source: newkerala

Offshore Basra (Iraq), Aug 30: Maintaining heavy naval security for the two southern Iraqi offshore oil terminals remains one of the most critical missions for the US-led coalition forces, according to top naval commanders.

Four years after the coalition ousted Saddam Hussein, both Al Basrah (ABOT) and Khawr al Amaya (KAAOT) terminals, 50 km offshore from Basra, continue to be heavily guarded. US Navy SEALS and Polish Special Forces secured them during the opening hours of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.

"The mission of coalition forces here is very important for the economic revitalization of Iraq," Commander of the Combined Task Group (CTG) Captain Paul Severs said.

Severs said that ensuring the safe flow of oil out of Iraq was necessary to help the Iraqi government raise funds to push ahead with its reconstruction and economic revitalization plans.


Read more: http://www.newkerala.com/july.php?action=fullnews&id=56486

---

Sure funds for Iraq. Which is why we are requiring through our benchmarks that Iraq privatize its oil.

[Tight_rope]

1. Yup...must protect what we've stolen.

[Javaman]

2. None of the offshore pumps have meters so no one knows for sure

how much oil is being pumped and by whom. Lovely huh? It's estimated that 200,000 barrels are being stolen daily.