Azzaman daily, May 21, Iraq – Military Intelligence sources tied to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said 8 illegal clandestine ports located between Abu Al-Khaseib Village and Ra’s Al-Bisheh in the Gulf are used for smuggling oil to the UAE ports which is sold much cheaper than official government prices.

The same sources also said there are eight Iranian Intelligence bases in Basra where local officials and executive managers force people to cooperate with them. The sources added most people cooperate with the bases in fear of their lives.