Large fire reported at Ahdeb oil field in Iraq's Wasit province

WASIT, Iraq — A large fire broke out on Monday at the Ahdeb oil field in Iraq's southern Wasit province, a local official said. Civil defense teams were dispatched to the site and moved to prevent the flames from spreading to other facilities in the area. Images circulated on social media showed thick black smoke and flames rising from burning oil at the field. No casualties or injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially announced. Ahdeb is one of the main oil production sites in Wasit province. Authorities said an investigation into the incident is underway, and officials have begun an inspection, according to the official. Further details were not immediately available.