Kirkuk, Iraq — British energy giant BP has withdrawn several foreign employees from development operations tied to BP Kirkuk oil projects as security concerns grow across the region.
Officials at the North Oil Company confirmed the move on Monday. They explained that BP informed Iraq’s Oil Ministry and the company about the precautionary withdrawal.
The decision affects foreign experts working in advisory and technical teams. These teams support development efforts in several major oil fields across Kirkuk province.
The projects include the Kirkuk, Bai Hassan, Jambur, and Khabbaz oil fields. These fields remain among the oldest and most productive reservoirs in Iraq.
However, the withdrawal does not halt work on BP Kirkuk oil projects. Instead, the company aims to protect its personnel while maintaining cooperation with local partners.
BP currently works closely with the North Oil Company on a modernization program. The program targets infrastructure upgrades and production improvements across multiple fields.
For example, engineers continue efforts to expand production capacity. Teams also work to modernize transport pipelines and improve field facilities.
According to officials, the North Oil Company currently produces around 325,000 barrels of oil per day. The output comes from fields across Kirkuk and nearby areas.
Nevertheless, experts warn that the absence of foreign specialists could slow technical work.
Oil analyst Ali Khalil explained the situation in an interview. He said the move represents a standard safety measure during regional tensions.
“International companies usually protect staff first,” Khalil said. “Therefore, they often relocate foreign experts during unstable security conditions.”
He added that some technical tasks require direct supervision from international specialists. These tasks include advanced geological studies and reservoir development planning. As a result, work linked to BP Kirkuk oil projects may continue, but at a slower pace.
Regional tensions recently intensified after military developments involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The escalation triggered security concerns across several countries in the Middle East.
In response, companies operating in Iraq’s energy sector began reviewing staff safety procedures.
Earlier this month, more than 100 BP employees left Iraq for Kuwait. These workers formed part of roughly 650 personnel connected to BP operations in the country.
Meanwhile, foreign experts from Chinese energy companies also departed oil fields in Basra under similar precautions.
Despite these developments, Iraqi officials expect production to continue. Local engineers and staff remain active in the fields.
Energy authorities also emphasize the strategic importance of Kirkuk’s reservoirs. Therefore, they plan to maintain development efforts even during regional uncertainty.
