Norwegian energy company DNO has restarted operations at the Tawke oil block in the Kurdistan Region after a period of limited activity. The company resumed restricted field operations on April 9 at both the Tawke and Peshkabir oil fields.
DNO also built a 2.8-kilometer concrete wall to protect workers and key facilities at the two sites. This security step followed recent regional tensions and earlier drone attacks that targeted energy infrastructure.
The company issued these updates in its first-quarter 2026 financial report, which it published on May 7. The report showed strong oil production from the Tawke block in the early months of the year. DNO continues to operate and manage the field.
During the first quarter, DNO upgraded several existing wells and restarted drilling at eight wells that had previously stopped. These activities aim to support higher production once security conditions improve and market conditions stabilize.
The company also completed two new wells and brought them into production. However, DNO later paused both production and drilling as a precaution.
Management made this decision after security risks increased in the region. Tensions rose following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. The company said it needed to protect staff and infrastructure from possible threats.
Earlier drone attacks also influenced DNO’s approach. After those incidents, the company strengthened security at its operations and built a long concrete barrier around sensitive areas in Tawke and Peshkabir.
Despite the partial resumption of activities, DNO warned that uncertainty could affect its long-term plans. The company expects lower production and reduced investment in 2026 compared to earlier forecasts.
DNO said it will continue to adjust operations based on security developments. It will also prioritize safety while monitoring market conditions closely.
The Tawke block remains one of the most important oil fields in the Kurdistan Region. It plays a major role in regional production and exports, making its stability critical for the local energy sector.
