US to stop using Blackwater security firm in Iraq
Blackwater is to be dropped by the US government for its security services
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Wednesday, 17, Dec 2008 07:35
US private security firm Blackwater, which has been the main contractor for US diplomats in Iraq, should be dropped a US State Department report has recommended.
The recommendation follows a review of Blackwater ordered by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice after a number of the security firm's staff killed Iraqi civiliams in Baghdad in September 2007.
Five guards have been charged with manslaughter over the shootings but the company itself has not faced charges.
The incident triggered outrage in Iraq and led to a debate about the role there of private security companies - upon which the US relies heavily.
A report published by the State Department earlier today says the company's contract should not be renewed when it expires next year.
A decision on the recommendation will be left to the incoming Obama administration, which will be in office when Blackwater's contract comes up for renewal.
Blackwater was one of the first private security firms to work in Iraq following the US-led takeover.
It provides guards and security for American and other diplomats in the country.
But the company has been under intense scrutiny since the incident last September when its guards opened fire at a busy Baghdad intersection killing 17 Iraqi civilians.
Blackwater says the guards' convoy came under attack from insurgents.
It is not clear how the US might replace Blackwater.
But the report is thought to recommend the State Department increase the presence of its Diplomatic Security Service in Iraq.