Briton Told of Fears in E-Mail - Killed in Iraq UK Foreign Office

[seemslikeadream]

6:27pm (UK)


By Gemma Collins, PA News


A Briton shot dead while working in Iraq as a security guard had sent an e-mail to friends in the United States just hours earlier telling them of the worsening situation, it emerged tonight.

Former soldier Michael Bloss, 38, sent the message to friends at the Colorado ski resort where he had spent several years teaching the disabled to ski.

“We are expecting to be overrun tonight, and we may have to fight our way to a safe haven. Unfortunately all the safe havens are already under attack,” he wrote on Wednesday.

“I don’t wish to alarm you. We’ll probably be OK! I’ll e-mail when I’m safe.”

more
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2760318

Briton 'shot dead in Iraq'


Apr 9 2004


A former soldier who was working in Iraq as a security guard has been shot dead.

Michael Bloss, 38, who had served in the Parachute Regiment, was working for an American company.

His father, Peter, of Bridgend, south Wales, told BBC Radio Wales's Good Evening Wales programme his son had got the contractors he was guarding to safety but was then shot himself.

Mr Bloss, whose wife died last year, said his son had been working in Colorado in the United States as a ski instructor since leaving the Parachute Regiment several years ago.

"At the end of the season he was taken on by this company as a security guard," he said. "They obviously had a contract of sorts working in Iraq and he finished up there."
more

http://icealing.icnetwork.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=14134253&method=full& ...

rent a cop?

[Guaranteed]

1. You read that story and ask "Rent-a-cop?"

Are you fucking kidding me? That is a FUCKED UP story, whether he was a contractor or not.

[seemslikeadream]

2. I'm sorry you feel that way but he was a mercenary

paid to kill.





Scott Custer, a principal at Custer Battles, an international risk-management firm with some 1,300 employees in Iraq, explained that his firm subscribes to the "faster camper" theory of security. The reference is to the musty joke about the ravenous bear that invades a campsite: To survive, it is not necessary to outrun the bear, only the slowest camper.

The security firms cannot stop attacks from happening, Mr. Custer said. So his company tries, for instance, to avoid large and conspicuous convoys, which are particularly vulnerable to attacks. He also refuses to rely entirely on stealth - say, by asking clients to drive at normal speeds to blend in with the ordinary flow of traffic.

"I focus on speed," Mr. Custer said, which means getting through dangerous areas as quickly as possible. He also said that routes are often scouted out the day before and he tries to avoid the hours between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., because roadside bombs are generally put out at night. "You don't want to be the first big target," he said.

Still, officials at several security companies said that the action in Iraq - and the potential for a quick profit - has drawn rank opportunists to Iraq.

"You've got a whole host of fly-by-night and disreputable companies," said Mr. Custer. "They're terrible. They get people killed." With that in mind, industry professionals said that the most important factor in the risk-management trade was choosing and training the right people. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous vetting in order to weed out people with a history of everything from domestic violence and drug use to committing a felony. And yearly salaries - which insiders say can range anywhere from $70,000 to $250,000 - are set high enough to compensate the best in the business. Hotheads and swashbucklers need not apply.

Christopher Beese, a director of ArmorGroup, which reports 800 employees in Iraq, described typically promising candidates this way: "They don't expect to win medals; they don't expect to win glory. They expect an opportunity."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/04/weekinreview/04glan.html

[bryant69]

5. Is there a difference between a security guard and a mercenary?

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[seemslikeadream]

3. COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Fifty-eighth session
Item 5 of the provisional agenda


THE RIGHT OF PEOPLES TO SELF-DETERMINATION AND ITS APPLICATION TO PEOPLES UNDER COLONIAL OR ALIEN
DOMINATION OR FOREIGN OCCUPATION
Report on the question of the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to
self-determination, submitted by Mr. Enrique Bernales Ballesteros, Special Rapporteur, pursuant to Commission resolution 2001/3



92. The International Convention expands on the definition of a mercenary contained in article 47 of Additional Protocol 1 to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, in particular with respect to those who are specifically recruited to participate in concerted acts of violence with the aim of overthrowing a government, or undermining in any other way the constitutional order of a State or its territorial integrity. Article 1 (2) of the Convention provides that:

"2. A mercenary is also any person who, in any other situation:

"( a) Is specially recruited locally or abroad for the purpose of participating in a concerted act of violence aimed at:

(i) Overthrowing a Government or otherwise undermining the constitutional order of a State; or

(ii) Undermining the territorial integrity of a State;

"( b) Is motivated to take part therein essentially by the desire for significant private gain and is prompted by the promise or payment of material compensation;

"( c) Is neither a national nor a resident of the State against which such an act is directed;

"( d) Has not been sent by a State on official duty; and

"( e) Is not a member of the armed forces of the State on whose territory the act is undertaken."

93. It should be noted that for the purposes of the International Convention a serious offence is committed by any person who recruits, uses, finances or trains mercenaries, or attempts to commit such acts or is an accomplice in such acts or attempts.


http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2002/e-cn4-2002-20.htm#page2




SOURCE Security Companies Doing Business in Iraq

The U.S. government assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms whose names appear on the list.



AD Consultancy

Headquarters:
ADC House
P.O. Box 153
Sutton, Surrey SM3 9WF
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.adconsultancy.com
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Ian Grealey
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Risk and threat assessment, close protection teams/bodyguards, asset protection, secure commodity escort, travel and escort security, residential and premises security, aviation security, maritime security, oil and gas industry security, surveillance and counter surveillance.


AKE Limited

Headquarters:
Mortimer House
Holmer Road
Hereford HR4 9TA
UK
Tel: <44> (0) 1432 267111
Fax: <44> (0) 1432 350227
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.akegroup.com

Contact in Iraq:
Peter Hornett
Tel: <44> (0) 7739 094598
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Hostile regions training, reduced personal insurance rates, the services of security risk specialists, location security audits, personal security reviews, body armor, medical audits, equipment, assistance and evacuation; political, security, intelligence and cultural briefings, subscription-based online secure database of security, risk and intelligence information, including twice-weekly Iraq security briefings.



ArmorGroup

Headquarters:
25 Buckingham Gate
London
SW1E 6LD
Tel: <44> (20) 7808-5800
Fax: <44> (20) 7233-7434
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
John Farr, MBE
Country Manager
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Description of services:
ArmorGroup operates in 40 countries worldwide and is a leading international risk management, security services, mine action, and information service provider. In Iraq we currently have offices in Mosul, Baghdad, and Basra, and on-going operations throughout the country. They provide major corporate and government clients in Iraq with risk assessment and management, close protection, manned guarding, technical security systems, and mine action services (mine clearing and unexploded ordnance disposal). ArmorGroup supports the Joint US/UK Government’s Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, and subscribes to the Code of Conduct of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. ArmorGroup is a United Nations approved provider, and is ISO 9001:2000 certified. ArmorGroup's Baghdad office is not able to deal with job applications. All applications must be accompanied by a current CV/resume and sent to: [e-mail] (US residents), or [e-mail] (UK residents and other nationalities).



Control Risks Group

Headquarters:
83 Victoria Street
London SW1H OHW
United Kingdom
Tel: <44> (20) 722 1552
Fax: <44> (20) 7222 2296
Website: www.crg.com
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
James Blount, Country Manager
Tel: [phone] (NY number but person is located in Iraq)
Thuraya: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Control risk is a leading international business risk consultancy with 28 years experience of supporting more than 5,300 clients in over 130 countries. They currently have an office in Baghdad providing major governmental and corporate clients with a range of services, including security management, discreet armed protection, and information support.

Custer Battles

Headquarters:
3959 Pender Drive
Suite 109
Fairfax, VA 22050
Tel: <1> 703-385-1121
Fax: <1> 703-385-2177
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.custerbattles.com

Contact in Iraq:
Brig. General Charles Baumann, Director
Tel: <1> 914-360-9223
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Security services, life supports, construction, logistics, transportation, and personal security details.



Diligence Middle East

Headquarters:
1275 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: <1> 202-659-6210
Fax: <1> 202-659-6210
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.diligencellc.com

Contact in Iraq:
Ken Josey, Country Manager
Tel: <1> 914-822-9746 (NY number rings in Baghdad)
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Diligence Middle East is the Middle East subsidiary of Diligence LLC, a global information and security services firm. In Iraq, Diligence provides risk advisory consulting, competitive due diligence, close protection, site security, and security escort services for multiple international clients and CPA contractors.


Erinys Iraq Limited

Headquarters:
16 Zukak 18
601 Emerat Mahla
Al-Mansour
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.erinysinternationa.com

Contact in Iraq:
Michael Hutchings
Tel: [phone] or [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Expatriate and Iraqi security services supported by nationwide radio and voice/data satellite communications. Services include managed guard forces, personal protection services, convoy protection, key point, and area security. Company is structured in 3 regions and 12 sectors with expatriate managed offices in each sector.



Genric

Headquarters:
Hereford House
East Street
Hereford, UK HR1 2LU
Tel: <44> 1432 379083
Fax: <44> 1432 370786
Website: www.genric.co.uk
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Nick Duggan
Tel: <44> 7919 478484 or <965> 904-8217/8257
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Genric provides global security solutions to corporations in the form of risk assessments, plans and policies for kidnapping, evacuation, crisis management and general security guidelines, physical provision of armed escort teams for personnel and convoys, security managers, occupational health, Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM), defensive driving, personal, asset and property protection. Offices in the UK, Slovakia, Serbia and the Philippines. A secure facility has been established outside Basra, which provides: armed site security 24/7, air con accommodation, air con offices, 4x4 armored and non-armored vehicle hire or purchase, service and parts center, generation hire or purchase, communications.




Global Risk Strategies
Headquarters:
6 Stratton Street
London W1J 8LD
United Kingdom
Tel: <44> (20) 7491 7492
Fax: <44> (20) 7491
Website: www.globalrsl.com
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Damian Perl, Charlie Andrews, Nick Arnold
Tel: [phone] (NY number but person is located in Iraq)
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Working together with the U.S. government, United Nations, and key commercial clients to provide significant security, logistics and facilitation services in post conflict Iraq. A country wide network of specialist teams, communications and logistics assets have been established, headquarted in Baghdad, to assist with immediate humanitarian aid and reconstruction projects in the Aviation, Oil, Banking and Infrastructure sectors. Further to this, there are now GLOBAL Close Protection Teams working in support of the Ministries of the Coalition Provisional Authority.



Group 4 Falck A/S
Headquarters:
Panchwati
82-A, Sector 18
Gurgaon 122016 (Haryana)
India
Tel: <91> 124-2398888
Fax: <91> 124-2397131
Website: www.group4falck.com
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Abrahem Ghazarian
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Guarding services including static guards, patrol guards, close protection, control room guards, and air marshals (armed and unarmed). Technical and security systems solutions. Physical security and design. Cash services (armed vehicles) with trained crew to transfer cash and valuables. Provide ATM services, wage packaging and distribution. Cashing sorting. Ambulance services (vehicles and professional staff). Firefighting services (vehicles, products and professional staff). Prisons and prison management. Global solutions. Facility management and training services.



Hill and Associates, Ltd.

Headquarters:
2604-9 Harbour Center
No. 25 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong King
Tel: <852> 2802-2123
Fax: <852> 2802-2133
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.hill-assoc.com

Contact in Iraq:
Richard Hancock, Director
Operations - Middle East
Tel: <971> (4) 211-5447 (Dubai) or (65) 6322-2558
Thuraya: 882-162-1100-133
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Hill and Associates are a risk management consultancy company with ten years of experience supporting Fortune 500 companies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. They currently have offices in Kuwait City, Dubai and Baghdad focused on providing clients in Iraq with a range of services, including: executive protection, information services and security audits.


ICP Group Ltd

Headquarters:
2 Old Brompton Road
London SW7 3DQ
United Kingdom
Tel: <44> (0) 207-591-4411
Fax: <44> (0) 207-584-1460
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.icpgroup.ltd.uk

Contact in Iraq:
Will Geddes or Andy King
Tel: <44> [phone] (UK number that rings in Baghdad)
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
ICP Group Ltd is an international threat management company servicing many international organizations including the corporate, industrial, financial, telecoms and pharmaceutical industries. With representation country-wide since Desert Storm (1991), ICP Group Ltd have provided security support and services to many major multi-national companies, NGO and government agencies. Providers of high-quality and competitively-priced protection services, security equipment, logistics management and liaison services, ICP Group Ltd can ensure that you are provided with an effective and efficiently managed security solution for short, mid and long-term engagements. Services include: close protection/bodyguards (static and mobile), secure accommodation, armored vehicles, personal protection equipment, field operations supplies, due diligence, risk assessment, audits and project evaluation/analysis, medical services, hostile environment training, specialist insurance coverage (through Lloyds of London), crisis management, and business continuity services and evacuation support and services. ICP Group Ltd protection employees are only either former British and US Special Forces or Elite Forces personnel.



ISI

Headquarters:
Baghdad Conference Palace
Mansour, Baghdad
Tel: <1> 914-360-2492
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Omar Hadi
Tel: <1> 914-360-2492 or <1> 914-822-7707
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
ISI Iraq is a part of the ISI Group and is the only security company to provide 24 hour Iraqi security guards to the CPA "Green Zone". All guards are trained by the U.S. army, vetted through "local knowledge" and have been a valuable asset to the American troops at the convention center in Baghdad. ISI also provides guards for residences, offices, and also do low key protection work for foreign nationals. All guards provided to foreign nationals have proficient English, and invaluable local knowledge, military or police backgrounds as well as British and American training. ISI has also been involved in due diligence, providing information for foreign and domestic companies through a network of personalities, companies, and families throughout Iraq. ISI's senior management includes experienced military personnel mostly ex-special forces from both the US and UK. ISI provides turnkey accommodation solution for foreign companies and press, in low key locations around Baghdad, providing and vetting all members of staff, 24 hour security as well as other complimentary support. Security services include: manned guarding, close protection work, site surveys, turnkey accommodation, and provision of commercial intelligence and due diligence, translators and drivers. Commercial services include: representation, construction, turn key 'camps', transportation within and in and out of Iraq. ISI has existing joint venture agreements with both US and UK established security firms.


Meteoric Tactical Solutions


Headquarters:
6 Meteor Road
Valhalla
Pretoria, South Africa
Tel: <27> 12 651 3402
Fax: <27> 12 651 3402
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Lourens Horn (Louwtjie)
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Specialized training programs, VIP protection, asset protection, risk management and analysis, even management, asset recovery.



Meyer & Associates

Headquarters:
P.O. Box 1800
Joshua (DFW), TX 76058
Tel: <11> 817-426-1199
Fax: <11> 817-558-4868
Website: www.meyerglobalforce.com
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Tim Meyer or Gary DeSmith
Tel: [phone] or 1-817-821-8820
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Security consulting and problem resolution, executive protection/bodyguards, advance work, intelligence, transportation and drivers, security guards, threat assessment, kidnap negotiations, investigations, reporting, analysis, liaisons with government, diplomatic, military, local and guerilla leaders. Aggressive security including specialized ex-military personnel utilizing state of the art equipment and tactics. Armed Patrol Vessels.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Olive Security (UK) Limited
Headquarters:
2 Charles Street
Mayfair, London
W1J 5DB
England, UK
Tel: <44> (0) 207307 0540
Fax: <44> (0) 207307 0542
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.olivesecurity.com

Contact in Iraq:
John Yourston and Douglas Dick
Tel: [phone] or <965> 914-0169 (Kuwait office)

Description of Services:
Armed VIP protection, armed convoy escort, threat and risk analysis, security site survey, key point security, manned guards, technological security including: TSCM, debugging/sweeps, IT security implementation.




Optimal Solution Services
Headquarters:
4/35 Spencer Street
Fairfield NSW
Australia
Tel: <61> (2) 97555840
Fax: <61> (2) 97559835
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Zahir F. Hameed
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Description of Services:
The infrastructure is streamlined to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness in vigilance and security alert response. Our emphasis is on maintaining the highest industry standards with our security personnel adhering to safety and health regulation and best work practices.


Overseas Security & Strategic Information, Inc/Safenet - Iraq

Headquarters:
Post Office Box 52067
Atlanta, GA 30355
USA
Tel: <1> 404-307-4072
Fax: <1> 413-208-6069
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
John H. Walbridge, Jr. or Mauritz Le Roux
Tel: <964> 7901915494 or <88> 216 5201 4591/4592

Description of Services:
We provide in-country "hands on" management of highly trained and experienced South African security personnel by former American intelligence officers with paramilitary backgrounds. Services include close protection of VIPs, general personal security of employees, convoy escorts of personnel and equipment, training of local security personnel, provision of armored and unarmored vehicles, threat and intelligence reporting, and provision of combat medics with proper equipment. Our approach is responsive, personalized and cost-effective.


RamOPS Risk Management Group

Headquarters:
7312 Suite 8 Hihenge Court
Raleigh, NC 27615
Tel: <1> 919-740-4597
Website: www.ramops.com
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Andy Potts or John Autenreith
Email: [e-mail]
Tel: <1> 919-740-4597 (US)

Description of Services:
Security consulting that includes threat assessments, recommended precautions, and contingency planning for personnel, sites, and equipment. Site security including area patrols, point security, and barricade design. Executive and VIP protection, convoy escort, 24/7 coverage available throughout Iraq. Communications, information technology, and logistic services available in support of any NGO or commercial operation. Their entire organization is comprised of US special operations and military intelligence professionals. Security consulting and training available in the US for NGO or corporate personnel prior to deployment.



Sumer International Security

Headquarters:
Almasbah - Dis Babilon
Sec. 929, St. 10, Building 10(54/356)
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: <1> 312-869-7336 (VOIP)
Fax: <1> 202-438-9710
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.thesandigroup.com

Contact in Iraq:
Janna Lipman
Tel: <1> 312-869-8336 (VOIP) or <964> 7901-916-338 or <1> 202-483-5900
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Description of Services:
SIS security guards, body guards, and private police armed and uniformed are trained by DynCorp International. Our clients are protected by a 365 days, 24/7 basis and we maintain a 24 hours dispatch operation with field supervision.



Triple Canopy Inc.

Headquarters:
200 W. Adams Street
29th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
USA
Tel: <1> 312-895-5000 ext. 7070
Fax: <1> 312-895-5001
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.triplecanopy.com

Contact in Iraq:
Ron Boline or Tony Nichlson
Tel: <1> 914-360-6961 (NY number rings in Baghdad) or <44> 208-792-629 (UK number rings in Baghdad)
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Triple Canopy excels in executive protection, site security, and convoy security. Our operators have an average of more than 20 years in the most elite military Special Operations units and are the highest quality personnel in the industry. Our services range from discreet travel companions to heavily armored, high profile convoy escort. From security assessments to tactical training to direct security work, Triple Canopy has the solution.



Wade-Boyd and Associates LLC

Headquarters:
Suite 116
Main Street
Lawler, IA 52154
Tel: <1> 641-330-4581 or 931-302-7822
Fax: <1> 270-518-5780
Email: [e-mail]

Contact in Iraq:
Malek (Ali) Mehanna or V. Brooke Phillips
Tel: <1> 641-330-4581 (US)
Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Description of Services:
Owned and operated by honorably retired U.S. army military police investigator, who currently is the command investigator lieutenant for the U.S. DOD federal police. And, an honorably retired (twice) U.S. DOD federal police investigator sergeant/chief of police. With over 40 years of combined experience, we provide: professional, experienced, former military/federal law enforcement, armed close protection teams, K-9 dogs for explosive detection and protection, security officers both standing and roving, investigations, under-cover investigations, armed escorts, vehicle and transportation convoy security, armed patrol in vehicle and water craft, air craft protection teams both on land and in the air, translators, armed money/valuables escorts, surveillance, global vehicle tracking, home and business protection both uniformed and plan clothes,



http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/2004/iraq_securitycompanies.htm

[seemslikeadream]

4. It’s a job

It’s a job
About half of all Iraqis are out of work. But there’s a bull market in being on the right end of a gun.

One beneficiary is Fiji, which has basically outsourced its army to the self-styled Coalition. About a thousand Fijians are working as soldiers and security in Iraq. They’re highly regarded, riding shotgun on currency exchange convoys. Wages are about US$1,300 a month, insurance pays out on death or injury.

Nice work if you don’t get it.



Fiji Mercenary Killed In Iraq
SUVA, Fiji (FijiSUN, Feb. 10) - Lance Corporal Tevita Ramatau was to have arrived home from Iraq in a week’s time.
But he never will - much to the loss of his wife, Una, and six-month-old baby, Taniela.

LCpl Ramatau, 31, of Navunievu, Bua, was shot dead while guarding the Baghdad International Airport.

He left the country in October last year after signing in with UK-based private security firm Global Risk Strategies in search of a better life for his family.

Seven hours before he died he called home to tell his wife he would be back home on the 28th of this month instead of the 15th.

Ramatau died from injuries caused by mortar shrapnel that ripped through his head on Sunday.

GRS Fiji representative Col Sakiusa Raivoce said Ramatau was evacuated by helicopter to a United States military hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

more
http://www.soulpacific.com/archives/racketeers/000473.html



Specialists in suits train new Iraqi army

BORZOU DARAGAHI IN KIRKUSH
Armed employees of Custer Battles, a Virginia firm, guard Baghdad airport. Erinys, a British company with offices in the Middle East and South Africa, guards the oil fields. Global Risk, a British firm that offers "risk management" has the contract to provide armed protection for the Coalition Provisional Authority, the US-led occupation power. DynCorp of Reston in Virginia, has been hired to help train Iraq’s police.

Much of the work conducted by the contractors is secret. Western security officials in Iraq say the companies aren’t yet going out on combat operations as they do in Colombia and other countries.

Mostly they safeguard sites, but occasionally they are needed for a specific task - for example, quietly snatching a suspected Saddam Hussein loyalist.

"The CIA has recruited ex-military people to do operations in Iraq," said one Iraq-based former US military official. "These people have security clearances."

Coalition and US military officials say the contractors have the flexibility to do some things quickly that armed forces simply can’t.

Contractors can also cast a wider net in hiring, helping to internationalise the forces in Iraq, even as US attempts to attract more foreign troops stall.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1081922003

[Guaranteed]

6. You didn't even read the stories, did you?

You just saw "security" and said, "Who cares?"

[seemslikeadream]

7. I read the story

I know what it said. He was there illegally.

Militia attack repelled by private security firm


In Sunday's fighting, Shiite militia forces barraged the Blackwater commandos, four MPs and a Marine gunner with rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 fire for hours before U.S. Special Forces troops arrived. A sniper on a nearby roof apparently wounded three men. U.S. troops faced heavy fighting in several Iraqi cities that day.

The Blackwater commandos, most of whom are former Special Forces troops, are on contract to provide security for the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Najaf.

With their ammunition nearly gone, a wounded and badly bleeding Marine on the rooftop, and no reinforcement by the U.S. military in the immediate offing, the company sent in helicopters to drop ammunition and pick up the Marine.

Sources who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of Blackwater's work in Iraq reported an unspecified number of casualties among Iraqis.

A spokesman for Blackwater confirmed that the company has a contract to provide security to the CPA but would not describe the incident that unfolded Sunday.

A Defense Department spokesman said that there were no military reports about the opening hours of the siege on CPA headquarters in Najaf because there were no military personnel on the scene.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001896454_security0...



We are soldiers in search of a war
Fight for no country but we die for good pay
Under the flag of the green back dollar...
(Mercenary Song by Steve Earle)


the Geneva Conventions and the US laws of War.
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.htm


brochures from the School of the Americas.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/waronterror/story/0,1361,583254,00.html
http://www.soawne.org/SOAManuals.html