BAGHDAD — Iraq has ordered the expulsion of hundreds of U.S. security guards.   

The order gave Blackwater guards until Feb. 14 to leave Iraq or face arrest. Bolani said the order affected 250 security contractors who worked for Blackwater during the shootout nearly three years ago.

"We want to turn the page," Bolani said. "It was a painful experience, and we would like to go forward."

The order came in the wake of the clearing in a U.S. federal court of five of the six Blackwater guards charged with the Baghdad shootout. The Interior Ministry has warned that it would take measures against Blackwater, now called Xe Services, as well as employees.

Over the last month, the ministry has ordered raids on foreign security contractors in which weapons were seized. Officials said the ministry required security guards to register their weapons by Feb. 21 or face arrest.

Xe said all of its employees were withdrawn from Iraq. Over the last year, Xe lost several security projects in Iraq, including that with the State Deparment.

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