US Defense Contractor Faces Scrutiny After Worker Killed in Iraq Drone Attack
A worker employed by the US defense contractor V2X has been killed in a drone attack on Erbil airbase in Iraq, with colleagues alleging they are being pressured to remain in the country despite escalating security risks, according to five anonymous sources. The incident, which occurred on March 24, 2025, highlights growing concerns over safety protocols and evacuation plans for contractors in conflict zones.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
The victim, a Kenyan national, died in a night attack while in his sleeping quarters on the base. Five other workers, from Kenya and India, were injured, with one reported to be in critical condition suffering from severe burns. These individuals are part of a group of approximately 45 V2X employees who have stayed on the base, even as other major contractors like Lockheed Martin and Amentum evacuated their staff weeks earlier.
"The company has messed up here bad," said one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "He didn't have to die. The company thought it was more important to keep the mission going rather than get people to safety."
Allegations of Fear and Hostility from Management
Interviews with V2X workers reveal a culture of fear among employees, who describe perceived hostility from management when inquiring about safety measures or evacuation options. Most V2X staff in Erbil, which totals nearly 300 employees primarily from the US, India, and Kenya, have been residing in a city hotel since the conflict outbreak. Sources claim the hotel lacks adequate security, such as checkpoints, making them potential targets for Iran-allied militants.
"People are scared. Rather than calming people, leadership threaten our jobs," one worker stated. Employees report being told that leaving would be considered a "voluntary evacuation," resulting in job termination and potential blacklisting from future rehire by the company.
Contractual Pressures and Evacuation Challenges
Workers allege that V2X is downplaying security threats to avoid evacuating staff, which could jeopardize its $252 million LOGCAP contract supporting Iraq's F-16 fighter jet program. "They don't want to push the button, they are in fear of losing the contract. It would cost them money to get us out of here," explained a second source. This concern is compounded by reports that several V2X managers have already evacuated Erbil, including the task order and site managers, who left on March 24 citing increased targeting risks.
In a related incident, V2X attempted to evacuate non-essential staff from Martyr Brigadier General Ali Flaih air base in late February but aborted the plan after the Iraqi government threatened contract termination. Some evacuees are now stranded in Erbil due to closed airspace, further fueling frustration among employees.
Broader Security Context and US Warnings
The attack occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, with the US Embassy in Baghdad issuing alerts urging American citizens to leave Iraq due to threats from Iraqi militias. Since the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran began in late February, embassies have repeatedly advised increased caution and reconsideration of travel. V2X workers report frequent drone alerts and intercepted projectiles at bases, yet the company maintains the security situation does not warrant mandatory evacuation.
This incident follows previous Guardian reports on security dangers faced by V2X employees in Kuwait and near Baghdad, with workers describing inadequate protections and limited communication from the company. In response, V2X managers have allegedly pressured employees to identify those who spoke to media, intensifying the climate of fear.
V2X did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations, nor has it addressed prior articles on the matter. As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the balance between contractual obligations and employee safety in volatile environments.
