US renews Blackwater's Iraq security contract
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The controversial private security firm Blackwater USA had its contract to protect American diplomats in Baghdad renewed for another year by the State Department.
The new lease of life for the company's activities in Iraq came as the FBI continued to investigate an incident in 2007 in which the company's guards are alleged to have killed 17 Iraqis. According to The New York Times, the Bureau's agents found at least 14 of the shootings were unjustified.
Nonetheless, the US Assistant Secretary of State Gregory Starr told reporters: "I have requested and received approval to have task order six – which Blackwater has to provide personal protective services in Baghdad – renewed ... for one year."
The firm, with around 900 private security guards in Iraq, has also been criticised in the US for its role in a 2004 ambush in Fallujah that left four of its staff dead.
The attack was a turning point for US public opinion on the US presence in Iraq after images of the charred bodies were broadcast internationally. Days later, the US launched a major offensive in Fallujah, leading to one of the bloodiest periods since the 2003 invasion.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments