The US military is helping to support foreign oil companies operating in Iraq as the country looks to become the world's largest oil producer.

Speaking to the Iraq Oil Report, US commanding general Ray Odierno explained that military forces are in close contact with the 18 consortiums which have won contracts to develop oil fields in the country, predominately in southern fields around Basra, the country's oil capital.

He explained that by investing in technology and training, these consortiums aim to increase production from 2.6 million barrels a day to more than 12.5 million a day.

"There is a need for sufficient security so that economic development can take root. Once it does it creates security," added major general Vincent Brooks, the commander of US forces in southern Iraq.

Among the foreign companies working in Iraq are China National Offshore Oil Corp, BP, Eni and Total. Only three of the 18 consortiums are US-based.

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