One killed during clash with police over oil pipeline theft near Basra

BASRA — One person was killed Monday during an armed clash between a group attempting to steal oil pipelines and a police patrol west of Basra, near the Rumaila oil field, security sources said.

A source from the local police told 964media that a patrol from the 9th Brigade, 2nd Battalion, spotted three vehicles stealing pipeline materials during a reconnaissance operation.

As the patrol approached, members of the group opened fire, striking the police vehicle with four rounds, the source said.

Officers returned fire, disabling one of the vehicles while the other two fled the scene.

Authorities reported that “an individual of unknown identity was shot in the back while attempting to flee and died from his injuries.” The vehicle containing stolen materials was seized, and an official investigation into the incident has been opened.