Iranian invasion of Iraq draws official protest from Iraqi authorities
Today Iraq's Deputy Foreign Minister Labeed Abawi indicated today that his government has officially complained to Tehran over what authorities say is an Iranian incursion. Last Thursday Iranian troops entered Iraq's northeast Haj Omran area apparently in pursuit of Kurdish rebels. It is unknown whether the incursion is related to last week's explosion and fire that destroyed a massive oil rig in Naftshahr (Western Iran) and caused 15 casualties.
Last December also Iraqi sources reported of an invasion of Iranian troops into Iraq to capture the Oil Field No. 4 in the Fakkeh area.
Border tensions between Iran and Iraq could lead to higher oil prices. Increased security and military measures will also allow the Iranian government to suppress civil liberties on the anniversary of the contested June 12 presidential election and the birth of the Green reform movement.
