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Contractors employ 6,000 security guards in Iraq
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
WASHINGTON — Blackwater Security Consulting has maintained its lead role in the Iraqi
security market. Based in Moyock, N.C., Blackwater has been winning both
government and private contracts to secure U.S.-related sites and personnel.
Industry sources said Blackwater is the leading U.S. security contractor
in Iraq. The sources said more than 6,000 foreign security guards have been
employed in the country.
The Defense Department has awarded Blackwater a $7.1 million contract to
protect personnel for projects in Iraq, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said the award was meant
for the company to provide personal security detail and protection services.
In an Aug. 11 statement, the Pentagon said the contract would be
conducted in Baghdad, Middle East Newsline reported. Official said the contract would be completed by
October 2008.
"Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year,"
the Pentagon said. "There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the
World Wide Web on March 25, 2006, and 21 bids were received."
Blackwater has won contracts with such U.S. government agencies as the
State Department, U.S. military and Pentagon for projects in Iraq. Officials
said the latest Pentagon award would be supervised by the Joint Contracting
Command, Baghdad, Iraq.
Copyright © 2006 East West
Services, Inc.
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