U.S. goes after funding source for insurgency: oil smugglers

[farquar]

BEIJI, Iraq - U.S. troops in this oil-refining center are cracking down on a vast fuel theft and smuggling operation that robs from Iraq's economy and helps finance the insurgency.

The troops are chasing the smugglers and closely monitoring refinery workers. For U.S. soldiers, it means ending a hands-off approach at the facility and doing jobs that would normally fall to police.

Capt. Adam Lackey of Trafalgar, Ind., said it was a problem that could no longer be ignored because the illicit money helps buy bombs and bullets that kill and maim soldiers.

``Our hand has been forced,'' said Lackey, of the 1st Battalion, 187th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. ``We're going to make it harder for them, make it less profitable, and we're even going to make it more dangerous.'' http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/14543658.htm

[Alphamystic]

It's about time! :happy64:

[Lonestar]

I could not agree more. I stil lthink we need to put interim meters in place to more accurately gage what is being produced and what is being lost. It is definitely a step in the right direction and will hurt the insurgency where it counts. In the wallet.

[icarusII]

I could not agree more. I stil lthink we need to put interim meters in place to more accurately gage what is being produced and what is being lost. It is definitely a step in the right direction and will hurt the insurgency where it counts. In the wallet.

The metering issue has been addressed by the Ministry of Oil as a result of the IAMB audit. They should be complete by the end of 2006. The IAMB has a meeting scheduled for the end of May.
http://www.iamb.info/pdf/sdoc0129.pdf

Icarus

[Switchgear]

It is about time!!!!!! No money = no bullets & bombs!!!!!!! I especially liked the part about the locals pointing out the insurgent hiding places. If they all started ratting out where the insurgent wackos are hiding, we would be so much further along by now.

[iamrealdreamer]

Yea!!! :huge:

[peakoil]

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_20/b3984001.htm

Just read it for yourself.
The big Oil companies will be forced to purchase outside reserves and handing out "less" to its investors.

Exxon's chomping at the bit in Iraq.
1:1 is coming to a town near you.

:happy64: :happy64:

[triton36]

well that might piss off some terrosist and they might bomb refineries

if they cant touch why would they let us. open lots for sale in iraq 500 dinar