The Iraqi government is taking a close look at all private security firms still involved in the ongoing conflict there following Sunday’s shootout in Baghdad, after which several contractors from Blackwater USA were accused of killing innocent bystanders while guarding U.S. officials.

BBC:

The Iraqi government’s spokesman, Ali al-Dabbagh, said its decision to review the status of Private Security Companies (PSCs) was prompted by the “flagrant assault … on Iraqi citizens” on Sunday.

“Companies should respect Iraqi laws and the dignity of the citizens,” he added.

The BBC’s Hugh Sykes in Baghdad says the status of the thousands of often heavily armed private security guards employed in Iraq is unclear.

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#america#blackwater#civilians#contractor#government#iraq#security