Iraqi forces raid private military contractors (possibly Blackwater)

[VanW]

Source: Reuters

09 Jan 2010 15:20:58 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Khalid al-Ansary

BAGHDAD, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Security forces confiscated hundreds of rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition and other military gear in a crackdown on private security contractors in Iraq, officials said on Saturday.

Police raided three locations in Baghdad on Friday, a week after Iraqi authorities were incensed by a U.S. judge's decision to throw out charges against five Blackwater Worldwide security guards accused of killing over a dozen Iraqi civilians in 2007.

Officials said they are targeting private security companies that are no longer legally licensed to operate in Iraq.

"All those companies with their work permits expired are not allowed to move one metre inside Baghdad, or own one piece of weaponry," Baghdad security spokesman Qassim al-Moussawi said.

He would not reveal how many unlicensed contractors were on the target list, or their names.

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/ANS949707.htm
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4218052



Blackwater no longer has a license, they were probably raided.

This might be a big story.

[tekisui]

1. knr. I hope the find something to really nail Xe.

[VanW]

2. I do too.

Thanks for knr.


Blackwater is in deep doodoo in Germany right now, as well:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7429875

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Gee...imagine Iraq acting all independent and stuff...

Nice to see that happening.
Too bad our Gov. does not seem to "get it".

[gateley]

4. I like this! Wish we'd be as determined. And welcome to DU!

:hi:

[VanW]

5. Thanks!

I'm sure Jeremy Scahill will write something about it at some point.

[gateley]

8. He was instrumental in opening our eyes to the goings-on of these jerks. nt

[malaise]

6. Good n/t

[Solly Mack]

7. K&R

[StarfarerBill]

9. Excellent! K&R

[VanW]

10. Bump

for the evening.

[conscious evolution]

11. K&R