On Thursday, Erbil’s security forces, in coordination with the governor’s office, the Environmental Board, and local police, carried out inspections of 44 oil refineries across the region. The operation resulted in the closure of several facilities found to be non-compliant with environmental regulations, and the arrest of their owners.

Dilshad Hussein, Director of the Erbil Environmental Office, emphasized the importance of the inspections in ensuring compliance with environmental standards. “Some refineries fully complied with the regulations and had no issues, but others were shut down, and their owners were detained for non-compliance,” Hussein told Kurdistan 24. He added that the inspections are ongoing, signaling a continued commitment to environmental protection.

In the Qushtapa sub-district, 13 refineries were found to be in full compliance with environmental guidelines. Hussein noted that the focus will now shift to facilities in the Gwer sub-district, where authorities have already issued warnings to some refineries regarding unregulated secondary operations producing low-quality gasoline, which poses environmental hazards.

Ardalan Fatih, spokesperson for the Erbil security forces, highlighted that the operation is part of a broader effort to enforce environmental laws and ensure the safe, sustainable operation of oil refineries in the Kurdistan Region.

The ongoing initiative underscores Erbil’s commitment to protecting the environment and maintaining public health by ensuring that refineries adhere to environmental standards.