BOISE (CN) - A translator who worked for Texas-based mercenaries says he lost a foot in Iraq because his boss ignored Iraqi soldiers who told them to stay away from a roadside bomb. Hussein Al Azzawy, a permanent U.S. resident who lives in Idaho, says his boss at Securiforce International told him to go down the road anyway or "he would be fired and could leave his armor and weapon in the truck and walk away."
Azzawy says he tried to keep the convoy off the road ahead because of the improvised explosive device, or IED. The IED exploded as the truck carrying U.S. Army supplies passed it about 3 miles past the checkpoint where the conversation took place according to the federal complaint.
Azzawy said the windows burst out and the heat of the truck cab floor caused "irreparable damage" to his left foot, which had to be amputated. He was also shot in the right leg.
Azzawy says Securiforce had refused to pay for his medical care, though it owes that to him by contract. He seeks damages for breach of contract, medical care and pain and suffering. Azzawy is represented by F. Michael Burkett Jr.
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