Rebutting reports stating the company’s workers were leaving because of heightened tensions, Halliburton Chief Executive Dave Lesar said, “We are still sending 200 to 300 people per week to Iraq.”

“I think a lot fewer people have come back than you might hear about in the media. I think there was an initial issue with respect to people thinking about it. But at the end of the day, when they had to make the decision to come back, many of them didn’t. There are a lot of Americans that feel they can commit themselves to going over there and providing that support,” added Lesar.

Halliburton unit KBR has 24,000 workers and subcontractors in both Iraq and Kuwait and Halliburton employees stand to earn up to US$80,000 tax-free for a 12-month stint in Iraq. That amount can rise to US$120,000 for over time.

Lesar also placed his faith in the security provided by Coalition Forces to keep his employees safe. “I am satisfied that increased security around the convoys [is] enough to keep Halliburton’s employees in Iraq safe. I’ve got absolute confidence in the military. I think that the situation on the ground in terms of the security is acceptable to let those convoys go at this point,” said Lesar.