Blackwater killings 'broke rules'

David Octavius · 11-15-2007, 12:47 PM

BBC NEWS | Americas | Blackwater killings 'broke rules'

The killings of at least 14 Iraqi civilians by guards from the security firm Blackwater were unjustified, FBI officials have told the New York Times.

The officials are investigating the 16 September incident in which 17 Iraqis were shot by Blackwater staff guarding State Department employees.

The revelations come as the US State Department's inspector-general admits his brother is linked to Blackwater.

At the start of the hearing, he wanted to quash what he called ugly rumours that his own family was linked to Blackwater.

"During the break, I did contact my brother... I learned that he had been at the [Blackwater] advisory board meeting yesterday," he said.

"I had not been aware of that and I want to state it on the record right now that I hereby recuse myself from any matters having to do with Blackwater."

The FBI investigation is ongoing, but the State Department's links to Blackwater have already proved damaging

If the killings are not justified as the FBI probe is saying then these guys ought to stand trail..since they are contractors with us they should stand trial here and be under the rules of a military court.

We need to be careful with this, not that the word is out that these are illegal killings this will serve as fodder for the extremists to swell their ranks, if they are guilty and we let these guys off light we will shoot ourselves in the foot. Over here this bit if news is a blip but over there you better believe it is headline news and will be for a while.

kinggovernor · 11-15-2007, 06:00 PM

what "rules" did they break, they were operating a complete legal blackhole.

David Octavius · 11-16-2007, 04:34 PM

They are not in an "legal blackhole" the DOJ is considering levying charges against some of them.

Their actions - if true - violates the state departments "rules of engagement".

My Way News - Charges Uncertain in Blackwater Inquiry

The official was familiar with accounts of the shooting that centered on the actions of one Blackwater guard who likely violated the State Department's rules of engagement, but the official could not speak to reports that the FBI had focused its probe on a Blackwater employee known as "turret gunner number 3."

Now its not a lock they will ever get charged even if they can prove it because some blackwater employees were given some form of immunity for their testimony, but this case is far from over. Moreover this does not stop the Iraqi government from pursuing justice if the US government allows

kinggovernor · 11-16-2007, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by David Octavius

They are not in an "legal blackhole" the DOJ is considering levying charges against some of them.

Their actions - if true - violates the state departments "rules of engagement".

My Way News - Charges Uncertain in Blackwater Inquiry

Now its not a lock they will ever get charged even if they can prove it because some blackwater employees were given some form of immunity for their testimony, but this case is far from over. Moreover this does not stop the Iraqi government from pursuing justice if the US government allows

That is the first time I have heard of State Department RoEs, it should be interesting how it plays out. Regardless of the outcome of this event, it is time to rein these private contractors in.

RMNIXON · 11-16-2007, 06:05 PM

Breaking "Rules" of combat does not make them cold blooded killers. But this needs to be followed through and prosecuted if they in fact knew and were properly trained about what they could and could not do under the circumstances. Don't blame the little guys under fire if people hire up did not do their job.