Drilled to a total depth of 4,092 m (13,425 ft), the Peshkabir-1 well in Iraq targeted a large undrilled feature west of the currently producing Tawke field. Oil shows were encountered in the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic intervals and six zones were tested, DNO International reported.

The Jurassic Sargelu formation tested 27-29 API oil and water at varying rates of oil and water cut. The Triassic Kura Chine A and B intervals and the Cretaceous Mushora, Quamchuqa and Shiranish intervals produced formation water.

The joint venture will now undertake detailed evaluation of the results of the well; a proposal to acquire approximately 200 sq km (77 sq miles) of 3-D seismic has already been submitted and approved by the authorities. The Peshkabir-1 well will be temporarily suspended for possible re-entry later this year and the drilling rig moved to the Erbil license to commence the Benenan and Bastora field development.

The first of two back-to-back wells, Benenan-3, is expected to spud in late July.

The Tawke-18 well, spud on 28 May, is drilling ahead at 1,462 m (4,797  ft) about halfway to the planned total depth of 3,085 m (10,121 ft). The well is designed for additional Cretaceous production towards the target 100,000 barrels per day yearend Tawke field deliverability. The well will also test an exploration target below the main field bounding fault.

First oil from the Yaalen discovery on Block 47 in Yemen is expected by the end of 2013 with the installation of early production facilities capable of delivering 5,000 barrels per day, followed by a permanent facility with a capacity of 10,000 barrels per day at a later stage. DNO International holds a 50 % stake in Block 47.