Iraq Threatens to Expel Controversial US Security Firm
September 19, 2007
Witnesses say security guards working for Blackwater USA fired indiscriminately at civilians after a bomb attack on a US State Department convoy in western Baghdad.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry says it has responded by cancelling the company’s operating licence, but it is unlikely to follow up on the move.
Blackwater provides protection to US diplomats and businessmen in Iraq and the Americans would be unable to operate in the country without it.
The company is insisting that its employees acted lawfully, while the Bush administration is promising to investigate the matter and hold any wrongdoers accountable.
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Topics:
Politics, War Conflict, Currituck County, North Carolina, Private military contractors, Blackwater Worldwide, Blackwater Security Consulting, Blackwater Baghdad shootings, Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, Iraq, Security, Presidency of George W. Bush, Mercenaries, International Peace Operations Association