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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Thursday, April 29, 2004
SECURITY FIRMS SUSPEND OPERATIONS IN IRAQ
BAGHDAD [MENL] -- Western security firms have suspended virtually all
operations in Iraq because of the heightened insurgency.
Executives said almost all of the military and security contractors,
including leading firms, have refused to continue protection for projects in
Iraq. They said the contractors have told the Coalition Provisional
Authority that they don't have the heavy weapons, intelligence and manpower
to battle Shi'ite and Sunni insurgents.
So far, nearly 50 foreign civilians have been abducted in April and 10
others have been killed. Several coalition partners, including Poland, Spain
and Ukraine have either ordered a pullout from Iraq or are reducing their
presence.
"Everything is at a standstill," a senior executive for a Western
security contractor said.
The refusal of security contractors to operate has resulted in a halt in
the supply of raw material to Iraq. In addition, vital projects such as the
upgrading of Iraq's electricity grid as well as water and sewer projects
have been suspended.
On Tuesday, more than 60 Shi'ite insurgents were killed in heavy
fighting with U.S. troops outside Najaf. The insurgents were said to have
been part of the Mahdi Army loyal to Iranian-backed cleric Moqtada Al Sadr.
So far, two of the largest contractors in Iraq have suspended
operations. The U.S.-origin General Electric and the German Siemens have
halted work on major reconstruction programs. Siemens was contracted to
renew operations at the Dauri power station.
Industry sources said about 75 percent of all CPA projects have stopped
completely. The rest have continued largely on the administrative level.
Some military and security contractors have offered to help coalition
troops support combat operations. The U.S. firm Blackwater USA helped
evacuate besieged coalition troops in Najaf. Blackwater flew three of its
S-70 Black Hawk to rescue four U.S. marines, three Salvadoran soldiers and
eight company employees.
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