US Government Demands Evacuation of Contractor Staff from Iraq and Kuwait
The United States government has formally called upon the defense contractor V2X to evacuate its employees from Kuwait and Iraq, issuing a stark warning that they face potential targeting by Iran-backed militias. This urgent intervention comes in response to detailed reporting by the Guardian, which highlighted the precarious situation of V2X workers stationed at US military bases in Kuwait, as well as at the Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih airbase and Erbil airbase in Iraq.
Heightened Security Concerns and Government Intervention
According to four sources familiar with the matter, employees have voiced serious concerns about inadequate protective measures, limited communication regarding evacuation protocols, and pressure from the company to remain in the Middle East despite escalating dangers. In a tragic incident underscoring these risks, one V2X employee was killed in a nighttime drone attack in March, with workers asserting they are deliberate targets of Iran-allied assaults.
On 9 April, representatives from the US Department of State convened a meeting with V2X leadership, where they raised alarms about the potential for local militias to launch an attack on the Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih airbase. During this discussion, as one anonymous source revealed, government officials questioned why American personnel were still on base, referencing the Guardian's articles. V2X reportedly responded that retaining staff was necessary to "please the client," prompting a blunt retort from officials: "You know they’ll kill them. It’s just too dangerous."
Contractual Obligations and Worker Safety at Risk
V2X holds a Logistics Civil Augmentation Program contract valued at $252 million to provide base operating support and security services in Iraq. However, sources allege that the company's efforts to keep workers in place are driven by fears that the Iraqi government might terminate the contract if personnel are withdrawn. At the Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih airbase, also known as Balad airbase, employees report that management has threatened job loss for any who attempt to leave, classifying such actions as "voluntary evacuation" due to an allegedly insufficient security crisis.
Workers interviewed describe a harrowing daily reality, with frequent drone activity and gunfire disrupting their mental health and sleep patterns. An internal email dated 14 April assessed the regional threat environment as "VERY HIGH" for US personnel, facilities, and energy infrastructure, noting minimal warning time for escalation and the persistent capability of Iranian-aligned proxy groups to attack US-associated targets in Iraq.
Incidents and Inadequate Infrastructure Compound Fears
Earlier this month, a concerning incident occurred when an Iraqi soldier accidentally fired one of the base's own defense weapons into the camp, damaging a fortified wall around living quarters. While leadership addressed this by disciplining the soldier and implementing preventive measures, it added to the pervasive anxiety among staff. Additionally, employees have raised alarms about the inadequacy of bunkers on the base, with V2X management acknowledging requests for sandbagging and reinforcement but offering only tentative assurances.
One source expressed deep despair, stating, "I’m starting to feel like I won’t make it out of here. Everyone is anxious and scared." The Guardian's attempts to obtain comment from V2X were met with silence, as the company has not responded to multiple articles on the subject.
Evacuation Efforts and Ongoing Risks in Erbil
In Erbil, northern Iraq, V2X maintains a significant presence under an active contract, with several hundred employees primarily from the US, India, and Kenya. Following the outbreak of conflict, most personnel were relocated to a local hotel that lacked proper security, allowing unrestricted public access and heightening fears of targeting by Iran-aligned militant groups. The departure of senior V2X management from Erbil in late March further exacerbated concerns among remaining staff.
On 14 April, in a move prompted by US government instructions to reduce headcount after the Guardian's reports, V2X evacuated approximately 100 employees from Iraq via charter plane. A source described the evacuees as "excited like little school kids," yet noted that not all workers were allowed to leave, with the company citing ongoing military mission requirements. This partial evacuation highlights the complex balance between contractual duties and employee safety in a volatile region.
