MOSCOW, August 8 (RIA Novosti) - British oil exploration and production company Afren has suspended operations at its Barda Rash field in Iraqi Kurdistan due to security reasons, Reuters reported Friday.
"Afren has taken the precautionary step to temporarily suspend operations at the Barda Rash field," the news agency said quoting Afren’s official statement.
The company said it is withdrawing its non-essential personnel from the oilfield. Afren will resume its operations as soon as the security situation allows, according to Reuters.
Barda Rash is located 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Erbil, the capital and largest city of Iraqi Kurdistan. Islamic State (IS) militants are currently approaching Erbil.
The IS, formerly the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), is one of the principal jihadist groups fighting against the Syrian government. The IS launched a full-scale offensive on Northern Iraq in June, declaring itself an Islamic caliphate. Tens of thousands of people have fled the territory seized by the militants.
