April 13, 2004
THE WORLD
Halliburton Suspends Some Iraq Supply Convoys
After recent attacks, the firm says it will wait until security is increased,
raising the risk that troops could lack food and water.By T. Christian Miller, Times Staff Writer
WASHINGTON — Halliburton Co. has suspended some convoys delivering supplies to the military in Iraq due to escalating violence, U.S. Army and company officials said Monday, raising the danger of shortfalls in food, fuel and water supplies if the situation continues.
The company said the decision was made after supply trucks protected by U.S. soldiers were attacked Friday by Iraqi insurgents just outside Baghdad, resulting in the death of one employee from Halliburton subsidiary KBR, formerly known as Kellogg Brown & Root. Seven other employees are missing or held hostage. A soldier was also killed in the incident, and two others are missing.
Privately, company officials expressed concerns about the level of security provided to the convoy. Halliburton's fuel convoys are protected by U.S. soldiers under the terms of a contract signed in December 2001.
"For the safety and security of convoys, the Army and KBR jointly made the decision to suspend some convoys at this time until additional security efforts can be put in place by the military to provide the new level of security necessary to move supplies into Iraq," said Wendy Hall, a Halliburton spokeswoman. "KBR is resolved to continue support of the U.S. troops and to fulfill all contract obligations."
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