Halliburton Unit Risked Civilian Lives, Lawsuits Say

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Halliburton Co. sent civilian drivers into combat zones to protect its military supply contract, according to lawsuits filed by families of employees killed or injured while driving trucks in Iraq.

The families claim Halliburton's KBR Inc. unit, the largest U.S. military contractor in Iraq, sent unarmed civilians into active combat zones in 2004 knowing they would be attacked and possibly killed by Iraqis. The lawsuits were filed in federal court in Houston last year. Families of six civilians who were killed and another dozen who were injured in Iraqi convoy attacks in 2004 are seeking millions of dollars in damages.

``Management decided it would make them look good to be seen acting with the Army that day,'' said attorney Scott Allen of a deployment in April 2004. ``Halliburton and KBR decided they were going to put their contract ahead of these men's lives.''


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The families' claims are scheduled to be aired at a Sept. 18 U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing, where Allen, a lawyer with Houston's Cruse, Scott, Henderson & Allen, and former Halliburton employees will testify. Halliburton and KBR deny any responsibility for the deaths and injuries, contending the U.S. military controlled all decisions governing the convoys. Attorneys for the families said internal company documents show KBR was in charge.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=azV5p0vBC_L0&refer=home

[texpatriot2004]

1. May the evil bastards at Halliburton rot in hell nm