Contractors in Iraq Trigger Two Shootings

Two incidents ignited by Blackwater raise questions about quasi-miliary role

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted May 27, 2007 6:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Contractors from private security firm Blackwater USA set off two firefights in Baghdad in as many days last week. On Thursday, a Blackwater guard shot and killed an Iraqi driver who trailed a convoy suspiciously, and Wednesday a Blackwater convoy escorting State Department officials was ambushed—sparking a battle between contractors, coalition forces, and insurgents, reports the Washington Post.

The incidents underscore how big a role these hired guns have in the war effort, and how their actions can complicate relationships that are essential to the US military, said a senior adviser. Blackwater has $109 million worth of contracts with the State Department, and under military rules is prohibited from offensive operations.

' (Getty Images)

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Contractors in Iraq Trigger Two Shootings

Two incidents ignited by Blackwater raise questions about quasi-miliary role

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Virginia firm takes over security duties

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Agreement would not need ratification

US Sees Huge Gains in Baghdad Security

City sees dramatic improvement in security from a year ago

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • military • insurgents • Baghdad • Blackwater • coalition forces • contractors • Iraq war

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More Newser Stories

Blackwater's Iraq Contract Ends

Virginia firm takes over security duties

21 Killed in Iraq Car Bombings

25 wounded in Baghdad square blast

US Seeks Iraqi Authority to Continue War

Agreement would not need ratification

US Sees Huge Gains in Baghdad Security

City sees dramatic improvement in security from a year ago

Baghdad Safe Again, Says Iraq

Fall in violence trigger optimism from Iraqi government

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Newser By Users

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