The U.S. government has urged defense contractor V2X to evacuate its employees from Kuwait and Iraq amidst escalating threats from Iran-backed militias. This call for action arises after reports indicated that V2X personnel were stationed at key military installations, including U.S. bases in Kuwait and the Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih airbase in Iraq. Employees have expressed serious concerns regarding their safety, citing insufficient protective measures and poor communication about evacuation plans.
Concerns Over Employee Safety Amid Rising Threats
According to four sources familiar with the situation, the U.S. government's intervention comes on the heels of alarming revelations about the risks faced by V2X workers. Employees stationed at the Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih airbase have reported feeling vulnerable, particularly following a deadly drone strike in March that claimed the life of one of their colleagues. In a recent meeting on April 9, U.S. State Department officials confronted V2X leadership about the safety of their personnel, questioning why American workers remained on base despite the imminent threat. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Sources indicate that V2X representatives cited the need to "please the client" as a reason for maintaining their workforce in a dangerous environment, even when warned about the potential for attacks. "You know they'll kill them. It's just too dangerous," one anonymous source relayed from the meeting, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Inadequate Protections and Limited Communication
Many employees have voiced their frustration over what they describe as inadequate protections and a lack of clear communication from V2X regarding evacuation procedures. Reports suggest that V2X management has pressured staff to remain in Iraq, claiming that any attempt to leave would be classified as a "voluntary evacuation," resulting in job loss. Workers have expressed distress over daily exposure to drone activity and gunfire, which has negatively impacted their mental health.
In an email sent to employees on April 14, V2X acknowledged the heightened regional threat level, asserting that the environment for U.S. personnel remains "VERY HIGH". The message warned that Iranian-aligned proxy groups have both the capability and intent to target U.S.-affiliated sites in Iraq. The email further cautioned that the current lull in attacks should not be interpreted as a decrease in threat levels.
Government Involvement and Emergency Preparations
During the April 9 meeting, U.S. officials also inquired whether V2X had engaged U.S. Central Command (Centcom) for assistance with evacuating its staff. In response to growing concerns, government representatives ordered a flight to be prepared for emergency evacuation, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Despite these measures, reports from employees at the Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih airbase indicate no formal evacuation plans are in place.
In a recent incident, an Iraqi soldier reportedly fired a defensive weapon into the base, causing damage to a fortified wall surrounding living quarters. V2X management took immediate action to address the situation, but the incident further heightened employee fears regarding their safety on the base.
Ongoing Risks and Employee Morale
As the situation continues to evolve, V2X employees in both Iraq and Kuwait remain on edge. With the Iraqi government potentially threatening to terminate contracts, V2X has been reluctant to withdraw its personnel. The company maintains an active presence in Erbil, where several hundred employees from the U.S., India, and Kenya are currently stationed. Most of these workers were recently relocated to a local hotel, which reportedly lacks security measures, exacerbating their concerns about being targeted by Iran-aligned groups.
In late March, multiple senior V2X managers evacuated from Erbil, leaving remaining employees feeling increasingly vulnerable. On April 14, only about 100 employees were evacuated from Iraq, with many expressing anxiety over their safety. One employee shared their feelings of dread, stating, "I'm starting to feel like I won't make it out of here. Everyone is anxious and scared." The urgency for enhanced protective measures remains a pressing issue, with employees pushing for reinforcement of bunkers on the base.
The situation surrounding V2X employees in Iraq and Kuwait highlights the heightened risks posed by regional tensions. As threats from Iran-backed militias loom, the company faces growing pressure to ensure the safety of its personnel while navigating complex contractual obligations.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.