BAGHDAD, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Department contractor KBR says it has ordered its employees in Iraq to turn in their personal cell phones for security reasons.

The military services contractor, based in Houston, did not explain what security issues may be involved, CNN reported Saturday.


"The matter giving rise to this message is still being reviewed by KBR management, so the company will not provide further comment at this time," the company said in a statement.

CNN said it had obtained a KBR company e-mail ordering employees in Afghanistan and Kuwait as well as in Iraq to hand over all personal cell phones to company officials.