Iraq confiscates arms in private security crackdown (military contractors)

[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.

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/ANS949707.htm

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The names of the contractors raided were not given. Blackwater has no license.


Edit: added to headline to make subject more obvious.

[krkaufman]

1. I love the smell of sovereignty in the morning. n/t

[VanW]

2. It smells like...

...justice.

[ShortnFiery]

4. You got that right.

Mercenaries are VILE where ever they hail from. :thumbsdown:

[pinniped]

3. I don't think there's such a thing as a "license to operate in Iraq" license.

Iraq should just accept the fact that they have absolutely no say in matters relating to their country.

They can't even try people who murder their citizens.

[Vidar]

5. Good for Iraq. Throw the US out, Blackwater/Xe first.

[Luciferous]

6. +1