V2X Employee Killed in Drone Attack Raises Safety Concerns in Iraq

On March 24, a worker employed by the U.S. defense contractor V2X was killed during a drone attack on the Erbil airbase in Iraq. The victim, a Kenyan national, was attacked in his sleeping quarters, and five other workers sustained injuries, with one reported in critical condition due to severe burns. Approximately 45 V2X employees remain at the base, primarily from Kenya and India. Concerns have been raised by colleagues regarding their safety and the company's handling of the situation, as other contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Amentum, evacuated their staff weeks prior.

The Guardian

V2X employees have expressed fears about their security, particularly regarding their accommodations in a hotel that lacks adequate security measures. Workers believe they are potential targets for Iran-allied militants, especially following heightened tensions in the region since late February. A recent alert from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned of possible attacks on U.S. citizens and interests in Iraq, urging American citizens to leave the country immediately.

The Guardian

V2X has informed its employees that the security situation does not warrant an evacuation, framing any departure as a "voluntary evacuation" that would result in job termination. Employees have reported a culture of fear within the company, with management allegedly threatening job security for those who express concerns about safety or seek to leave. Some V2X managers have already evacuated, leading to further frustration among remaining staff who feel abandoned.

The Guardian

Workers have accused V2X of downplaying security threats to avoid losing its contract, which supports Iraq's F-16 fighter jet program under a $252 million Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) agreement. Employees believe the company prioritizes financial considerations over their safety, with one source stating, "They don’t want to push the button; they are in fear of losing the contract."

The Guardian

Reports indicate that V2X previously attempted to evacuate non-essential staff from the Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih airbase but aborted the operation due to threats from the Iraqi government, which warned that the company would lose its contract if personnel were removed. Consequently, some employees who had been evacuated are now stranded in Erbil due to closed airspace, further complicating their situation.

The Guardian

V2X has not publicly commented on the recent incidents or the concerns raised by employees. The lack of communication from the company has contributed to a growing sense of frustration and fear among workers, who feel unsupported in a volatile environment.

The Guardian

• “The company has messed up here bad,” — Anonymous V2X Worker

The Guardian

• “There’s no safety plan, no security, no evacuation plan,” — Anonymous V2X Worker

The Guardian

• “They don’t want to push the button, they are in fear of losing the contract.” — Anonymous V2X Worker

The Guardian

• “Literally everyone is angry and frustrated.” — Anonymous V2X Worker

The Guardian

The situation at V2X highlights significant concerns regarding employee safety and corporate responsibility in conflict zones, raising questions about the ethical obligations of defense contractors operating in high-risk environments.

The Guardian