Oil: New Iraq pipeline being built underground

A new pipeline is being built in Iraq which authorities claim will be far more difficult for insurgents to attack. The new pipeline is to be built several metres underground which would protect it from explosives.

As well as increased military patrols and surveillance, local tribal leaders are also being asked to help with surveillance. However, as the Arab Times reports, they are often unable to stop the attacks. The newspaper quotes Sheikh Abdel Rahman al-Assi, of Kirkuk's Obaid tribe, who said: "Alone, I can do nothing and it’s impossible for me to give guarantees, insecurity is total in the region".

Iraqi General Anwar Hama Amin, says he has 4,000 men securing sensitive sites, armed with modern fighting and communication equipment.