BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 22 (NNN-NINA) – U.S. forces in Iraq prepared a plan to evacuate hundreds of contractors of security companies, from an Iraqi military base in the centre of the country, an Iraqi security source said.
“The two U.S. companies, Lockheed Martin Corp. and Sallyport Global, prepared a plan to evacuate their staff from Balad air base, depending on the development of the security situation,” the source said.
“The two companies told their local Iraqi workers that they will inform them about the companies’ final evacuation decision within 10 days,” the source added.
“Security threats to the safety of the contractors were behind this sudden decision,” the source said without giving further details.
Hundreds of U.S. contractors are working with the two companies to provide support and advice to the Iraqi air force after Iraq purchased F-16 jet fighters from the United States.
Balad air base in Salahuddin province, some 80 km north of Baghdad, was hit last week by three mortar shells, but the attack did not cause any casualties.
The latest decision came, amid rising tensions in the Middle East between the United States and Iran, particularly after the Iranian air defence system shot down an RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aircraft, on June 20.
Later on, U.S. President, Donald Trump, described the shoot-down as a “big mistake” by Iran.– NNN-NINA
